Rehabilitation for burn survivors in Taiwan

For 17 years, Fong-Yi has been working at the Rehabilitation Center of Sunshine Foundation, offering crucial rehabilitation services to burn survivors. No one knows better than her the challenges and the pain that burn survivors must go through during the rehabilitation phase. But she also knows that although it seems like the pain will never end, eventually things will get better and easier. As a therapist, her work not only consists of helping burn survivors recover their physical functions, but also of encouraging them and giving them emotional support.

Not seeing the light at the end of the tunnel is the hardest part of rehabilitation.
But no matter what, never give up on yourself!

This is the message that Sunshine Foundation's most senior therapist wants to convey to burn survivors going through the difficult process of rehabilitation...

See how our therapists support burn survivors through this difficult process.

Your support gives burn survivors the strength to go on and makes it possible for our therapists to accompany them in the process. Thank you!

The following is an e-postcard from Sandra Dickison, a GlobalGiving Representative in Taiwan.

Often ignored.  Often indoors.  Often forgotten.  Sunshine Foundation seeks to help those that "shun the sun" because they have burns that cover much of their body by providing rehabilitation services, advocacy for burn survivors, and livelihood opportunities for clients.

On August 6^th, Ana and I visited Sunshine Foundation's Taipei Rehabilitation Center.  This is the main center for Sunshine Foundation; however, they have 6 regional centers spread throughout Taiwan.  At these Centers, Sunshine not only provides rehabilitation services, but they also make the bandages worn by clients.  Ana and I were amazed at the intricacy in measuring and creating the garments - every knuckle is measured, every centimeter counts because these garments put pressure on the skin and help with healing - they are also worn nearly 24 hours/day.

Besides visiting the sewing room and meeting with staff, we also had a tour of the rehabilitation center where we saw clients practicing what may appear to be simple exercise - such as squeezing a ball - but are actually exercises that take a lot of concentration and practice.  Each client has a specialized rehabilitation plan and they come to the center every day, from 9-5 just like a job.  They also live in Sunshine's Halfway House where they find support from their peers (an important part of the healing process) and they gain the confidence to venture out and be in the sun.  For example, everyday for lunch and dinner, the clients must go outside to a vendor or a restaurant.  With the support of their peers and Sunshine Foundation, burn survivors build the confidence they need to succeed.