Rehabilitation for burn survivors in Taiwan

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.