Rehabilitation for burn survivors in Taiwan

In 2011, the Sunshine Foundation launched the Oral Cancer Survivor Family Support Program to help families facing financial insecurity due to the challenges of oral cancer. The program aimed to provide a pathway to financial stability through an income-generating sewing project. Families received professional sewing training, and an educational fund was also established to help the children of participating families achieve their dreams.

In 2019, the Sunshine Foundation's Southern Service Center expanded the program by officially forming the Smile Work Team. The Smile Work Team emerged in response to the unexpected life challenges posed by oral cancer, burn injuries, and other forms of acquired facial disfigurement. These conditions often place significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens on individuals and their families, requiring them to rebuild their lives with strength and resilience.

Through training with Sunshine's Smile Work Team, each member grows in skill and confidence, gaining the hope and courage to face the future.

Embracing the concept of "zero waste," the team collaborates with textile companies to repurpose fabric remnants. Professional product designers and sewing instructors guide the team in creating unique handcrafted products, each tailored to the characteristics of the fabric used—truly one-of-a-kind creations. Every product reflects the dreams and hopes of oral cancer and burn survivors for a brighter future.

Crafting a Radiant Life — Ah-Hui's Story

Wearing pressure gloves, Ah-Hui carefully sews coasters with skilled hands. She is a burn survivor of Sunshine’s Southern Service Center and one of the founding members of the Smile Work Team. Ah-Hui's life revolved around household chores until one fateful day in 2016, when a faulty essential oil bottle sprayed near a stove while cooking, causing a sudden accident. She suffered 25% second- and third-degree burns, primarily on her hands — a devastating injury for a full-time mother. From carer, she became someone who needed to be cared for.

Ah-Hui endured over a month of hospitalization due to severe burns, facing life-threatening complications and undergoing skin graft surgeries. Her altered appearance caused her children to cry and avoid her, which deeply hurt her. Her husband took extended leave to care for her, while their youngest child was cared for by relatives. Overcome with guilt, Ah-Hui struggled with public stigma and intense physical challenges, including unbearable heat sensitivity and painful rehabilitation exercises. Despite the agony, she quietly endured the pain, determined not to burden her family.

Sunshine's Southern Service Center became a safe haven for Ah-Hui, where she no longer feared being stared at. The support from staff and other burn survivors gave her warmth and encouragement. Despite the painful rehabilitation, her determination to recover came from her family, as she didn't want to burden her husband or worry her children.

During her recovery, Ah-Hui worried about her future and how to contribute financially to the family. When invited to join the Smile Work Team, she eagerly seized the chance to learn sewing, a long-held wish. Wearing pressure gloves, she tackled sewing lessons despite her limited hand mobility, pouring her hopes into every handcrafted item.

Balancing rehabilitation, sewing, and household duties made her days busier than ever, but Ah-Hui's confidence blossomed, bringing more smiles. Her children even helped with fabric cutting, and one daughter remarked, "Mom is happier because she's doing something she loves."

Help Us Create More Stories of Hope
Ah-Hui's journey of resilience and renewed purpose was made possible through Sunshine's support. You can help by Donating to Sunshine. Your donation can help other burn survivors and individuals with facial disfigurement regain their confidence, rebuild their lives, and find hope again. Every contribution makes a difference. Please join us in making a lasting impact.