An Altruist at Heart

Pong has mastered her self-described technique to “always smile,” regardless of the setbacks she faces. Her ability to persevere through daily pain and decades of health complications is both admirable and unfathomable.

             

Pong's lunch at the hospital, which 
was given away to help another friend

While visiting Pong in the hospital today, Wednesday September 11th, she continuously struck up friendly conversation with the other women in the communal hospital room.  During my visit, she had several sincere interactions with patients as well as their visitors. Mrs. Sue is the wife of a patient in the next room whose husband is recovering from radiation treatment for kidney cancer.  She visited Pong’s bed after the nurse aides delivered lunch.  I looked on quietly to understand the nature of their exchange as they spoke colloquially in a language I did not understand. Pong removed the lids from the food on her bedside tray to expose a bowl of chicken soup and a scoop of rice to Mrs. Sue. Pong then gave away half of her meal so that Mrs. Sue could eat while staying at the hospital to tend to her husband's needs. Pong patiently listened to Mrs. Sue’s concerns with a cheery smile for some time longer, nodding in agreement and commenting with a positive remark when necessary.  

She wisely explained once Mrs. Sue departed, “it is the patients who are always more comfortable than their relatives.” Pong has an innate ability to recognize discomfort and unease. She offers everything she has to minimize the pain others experience and spread her happiness. 

Pong is overwhelmingly sympathetic and acts as a strong, resilient role model for others. Despite her own complicated and painful health status, she looks past her personal struggle to provide support for others.  Her strength is infinite.