Physical Health Taiwan Project #54602

Rehabilitation for burn survivors in Taiwan

by Sunshine Social Welfare Foundation

Rehabilitation for burn survivors in Taiwan

Project Report | Sep 6, 2023
Crossing mountains and valleys just for you

By Marie-Claude Pelchat | Project Leader

"Let's make some time to visit Ning Ning soon!" Missing our little sunshine Ning Ning, who lives in a remote village, both the therapist and social worker of Sunshine’s Central Service Center in Taichung make sure to visit her every month.

When Ning Ning was two years old, she accidentally got scalded on her arm and right leg when she followed her family into the kitchen while they were cooking. With limited medical resources in the mountainous area where they live, her family had to take her to a hospital that was a 1.5-hour drive away, marking the beginning of a long journey of medical treatment and battle with scars.

After Ning Ning returned home from the hospital, her extensive scarring required her to wear pressure garments and undergo rehabilitation. However, because her father needed to work outside to support the family, and her mother couldn't drive or use public transportation, Sunshine’s therapist and social worker embarked on a monthly journey that involved crossing mountains and valleys, all in the hope that Ning Ning would no longer have to walk on tiptoes due to the scars.

Three years have passed in the blink of an eye. The arduous round trips of 160 kilometers were worth it. Following reconstructive surgery, Ning Ning's leg was finally freed from scars that limited her movements. She no longer had to walk on her tiptoes like a ballet dancer but could take confident strides forward. During each visit, apart from rehabilitation, the social worker read books and taught Ning Ning how to recognize words. Now, as Ning Ning starts going to school, she willingly shares her school adventures with her friends at Sunshine, leading a refreshing school life, no longer confined at home due to burn scars.

Her rehabilitation journey has come to an end, and although Ning Ning may still face challenges in the future, we believe that as long as she holds onto the spirit of never giving up, she'll have the opportunity to soar again.

We'd like to say to Ning Ning: "Dear Ning Ning, please remember that there were social workers and therapists who were willing to overcome all obstacles, crossing mountains and valleys to visit you. You mustn't give up on yourself!"

Pediatric burn survivors and their families living in remote areas face considerable challenges:

Pediatric burn survivors in remote areas often have limited access to adequate medical resources and specialized care, making it challenging to receive timely and appropriate treatment. Many face geographical barriers to accessing medical facilities, leading to long and arduous journeys for medical appointments and treatments.
Pediatric burn survivors typically have extensive physical scarring, which can impact their mobility, appearance, and overall well-being. Rehabilitation and scar management become essential but challenging aspects of their recovery.
The need for ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and possible surgeries can impose a significant financial burden on the families of pediatric burn survivors, especially if one parent needs to work outside the home to support the family.
Burn injuries, especially for children, can have a profound emotional and psychological impact. Coping with the trauma, scarring, and potential societal stigma can be emotionally challenging for both the child and their family.

By supporting Sunshine, your donations allow us to:

Carry out regular home visits: The social worker and therapist made monthly home visits to check on burned children and their family. This regular contact ensured that they were continuously monitoring the child’s progress and addressing any emerging needs.
Provide financial aid to partially cover treatment costs, transportation or daily living costs.
Provide rehabilitation and scar management services: The therapist can devise a home rehabilitation plan to help improve the child’s mobility and manage scars effectively. This includes exercises and the use of pressure garments.
Provide emotional support: Pediatric burn survivors often face emotional challenges. The social worker can offer emotional support and counseling to both the child and the family to help them cope with the trauma and stress associated with the burn injury.
Facilitate school re-entry: Social workers can create a supportive environment for a child with burns at school through social education activities for classmates and school adaptation program.

During the Little by Little campaign, from Sept. 18 to Sept. 23, all eligible donations up to $50 per unique donor made to Sunshine by credit card or Paypal will be matched at 50% during the campaign*, and funds will not run out!

GlobalGiving’s September 2023 Little by Little campaign will last 5 days, from September 18, 2023, at 00:00:00 EDT to September 22, 2023, at 23:59:59 EDT. Don’t miss this opportunity to maximize your contribution!

* Donations above $50 USD will be matched on the first $50 USD. The match offer is restricted to donations made by unique donors per organization.

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Jun 21, 2023
Embracing Challenges and Inspiring Others: Yuki's Journey

By Marie-Claude Pelchat | Project Leader

Sunshine Foundation established the Sunshine Weaving Love Team to offer vocational training and employment opportunities to burn survivors who have completed their rehabilitation. The work team primarily focuses on sewing projects involving the creation of fabric-based items such as bags and dolls. Members of the team learn essential skills like fabric cutting, sewing, and packaging. For some burn survivors, joining the Sunshine Weaving Love Team serves as a transitional phase between rehabilitation and reintegration into the regular workforce. However, others have discovered a sense of professional fulfillment and have chosen to pursue it as a full-time career. Yuki is one such individual who is now preparing for retirement.

Introduction:

In a world that often defines people by their limitations, there are those who rise above adversity and inspire us with their unwavering determination. Yuki, a burn survivor and an integral part of the Weaving Love Team, embodies the true spirit of resilience and perseverance. Despite facing the daily challenges brought on by her burn injury, Yuki's indomitable spirit and passion for her work have not only transformed her life but also touched the hearts of countless individuals.

Joining the Weaving Love Team and Overcoming Limitations:

"The teacher packages the dolls so beautifully; I don't believe I can fold the packaging as well! I’ll just do it my way!" said Yuki, a burn survivor part of the Weaving Love Team. Because of the burn injury to her hands, Yuki has difficulty performing fine movements, but Yuki was very determined and practice for a whole week. Since joining the Weaving Love Team, Yuki has consistently showed determination, thinking of new ways or new tools to overcome functional limitations and accomplish the work that she loves. Although her life has been changed due to the burn injury, Yuki has been eager to learn, seeking progress and breakthroughs... Although her injured hands are not as nimble, Yuki has the fastest packing speed among the team members.

Joining the Weaving Love Team proved to be a turning point in Yuki's life. Within this supportive community, Yuki found the encouragement and inspiration she needed to overcome her physical challenges. Although her hands were not as nimble as before, Yuki's perseverance and dedication propelled her to achieve remarkable results. Among her team members, she stood out with the fastest packing speed, defying expectations and proving that determination knows no boundaries.

Mastering the Art of Sewing and Inspiring Others:

Every working day, Yuki would arrive early, eager to tackle the day's tasks. One of the most fulfilling experiences of her career was mastering the art of sewing the beloved "cat dolls." Holding a needle proved to be a significant challenge, but under the guidance of her teacher, Yuki refused to give up. With unwavering resolve, she overcame her difficulties and acquired the necessary skills.

Yuki's dedication and unwavering spirit did not go unnoticed. The Sunshine Weaving Love Team shared videos of her incredible work online, inspiring countless individuals with disabilities and burn survivors. Her story served to illustrate that no matter the circumstances, with determination and perseverance, one can triumph over adversity. Yuki's impact reached far beyond the boundaries of her workplace, making her an inspiration to all who had the privilege of witnessing her journey.

A New Chapter:

After more than a decade of contributing her talents to the Sunshine Weaving Love Team, Yuki has decided to retire and embark on a slower-paced life. While bidding her farewell, let us celebrate the remarkable accomplishments she has achieved and wish her well in this new chapter.

Support burn survivors like Yuki during GlobalGiving July Bonus day!

Yuki's story serves as a reminder that the pursuit of our passions, coupled with unwavering determination, can lead us to extraordinary heights. Yuki's story is also an example of how, with the support of professional rehabilitation services, burn survivors can overcome physical limitations to return to an active and fulfilling life. Your donations make stories like Yuki's possible.

Help us make a difference during GlobalGiving's July Bonus Day campaign! Starting on July 12, 2023, at 09:00:00 EDT (July 12, 2023, at 21:00:00 in Taiwan), every dollar you donate can have an even greater impact. With a generous Matching Fund of $400,000 USD, your contribution will go even further in supporting our cause.

Here's how the matching structure works:

Donations ranging from $100 to $499 USD will be matched at 15%.
Donations between $500 and $749 USD will be matched at 30%.
Donations from $750 to $1,000 USD will be matched at 50%.

Remember, donations will be matched based on the order they are received, so don't wait to show your support. We encourage donations of at least $100 USD to ensure eligibility for matching funds. Contributions below $100 USD will not be matched and will not be reflected on the fundraising leaderboard.

Join us on July 12, 2023, and be part of a collective effort to create lasting change. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of burn survivors. Donate now and multiply the impact of your generosity during this limited-time opportunity. Thank you for your support!

Cat dolls made by burn survivors

Links:

Watch Yuki at work (in Chinese)

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Feb 21, 2023
I want to become a stronger mother

By Marie-Claude Pelchat | Project Leader

Tableau made by mother during sand play therapy

Chen-Chen and his mother have been taking part in psychological counseling at Sunshine Foundation and their sessions with the psychologist are almost over. Chen-Chen’s mother said: "I sincerely thank Sunshine for giving me the opportunity to bring Chen-Chen here for counseling, so that Chen-Chen can overcome the psychological trauma after being burned." Chen-Chen’s mother also learned effective parenting skills through counseling to deal with her own emotional trauma.

As a single mother, it wasn’t easy raising two little boys to begin with. But then Chen-Chen was burned, and things became even more complicated. Fortunately, Sunshine’s social worker quickly identified the difficulties facing the family and the tremendous pressure that the mother faced. The social worker helped link resources, and Sunshine’s psychologist also accompanied the family in their process of recovery.

Although Chen-Chen is still very small, yet he always behaves in a serious and precocious way, never crying and never making trouble. This was even the case after his injury. His mother felt this behavior was not normal, so she came to consult with Sunshine’s psychologist. Through play therapy, Chen-Chen gradually became a naughty, cheerful child and his mother also saw these changes. During play therapy sessions, the psychologist also discussed with the mother and discovered that although she was deeply committed to her child’s recovery, her own inner strength was running low. By putting the needs of her child first, she also neglected her own needs. Childhood burns imply a long recovery process, with surgical interventions and rehabilitation throughout the child’s growth phase. In order to accompany and support her child for the long run, Chen-Chen’s mother also had to make herself stronger and take care of her own psychological needs.

Through sand play therapy, Chen-Chen’s mother was able to express her inner pressure and begin her own healing. Through talks, the psychologist accompanied the mother in finding self-care methods, or ways to deal with stress. The inner growth of the mother and child was visible as the sessions progressed.

Chen-Chen’s mother is now ready to “graduate” from counseling services. Although many challenges still lie ahead, she was able to find her own inner abilities and resources to build confidence and accompany her child throughout any challenges, as symbolized in the tableau she created out of sand during counseling: an isolated island containing all sorts of beautiful, dazzling treasures.

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