What Lies Ahead

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 admirable.

Pong's lunch at the hospital that
she gave away to help another friend

While visiting with her today, she continuously struck up friendly conversation with the women in the communal hospital.  During my visit, she had numerous sincere interactions with the other patients and visitors alike. Mrs. Sue is the wife of a patient in the next room whose husband is recovering from radiation treatment for kidney cancer.  She came by Pong’s bed once the nurse aides delivered lunch.  Pong gives away most of her meal to Mrs. Sue so that she too can eat while she stays at the hospital to provide support and care for her husband. Pong patiently listened to Mrs. Sue’s concerns with a cheery smile, 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 and offers anything she can to make others happy. 

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 struggles to provide support and love to others.  Her strength is infinite.

Pong remains full of hope and emanates with vibrant energy. She looks forward to the future and is intent on sharing her story with others to shed light on those in her country that live with disabilities and to increase government assistance for the disabled community.  “I want to share my story with the world!” she explained, when asked what she hopes the future holds for her.

In the immediate future, Pong is looking forward to returning home in time for the Mooncake Festival next Thursday, September 19th to celebrate the moon's blessings with her family and friends. While the doctors have advised Pong to remain indoors to avoid acquiring a bacterial infection and complicating her recovery, she hopes to cook her favorite dishes and celebrate with others.  

While home in Ipoh, she will take another visit to the hospital to see a dentist. While Pong laid in a coma for 2 years, her teeth rotted because they weren't brushed for an entire year. She is excited to receive dentures which will brighten her smile in time for her next public engagement. In mid-November, Pong will speak at a conference to share her experiences and shed light on what life is like living with a disability in Malaysia. She is determined to broadcast her story to people around the world to encourage others to persevere though adversity and rise above challenges with a positive attitude. "Happiness and a smile is all you need," Pong advocates.

- Melissa R.