Chinese Doctors Day, salute to “Angels in White “

August 19, 2023 marks the sixth Chinese Doctors Day. For United Foundation for China’s Health (hereinafter referred to as “UFCH”), doctors are not only the “guardians of life” on the medical assistance path, but also a “hope” in the eyes of disadvantaged groups.

We have selected a short series of stories of medical assistance to disadvantaged children, all of whom have been assisted by UFCH. With the help of UFCH, these children were able to receive medical assistance at the United Family Hospital. The following are the stories of United Family doctors assisting these children.

1. Giving Children Precious “Normalcy”

In the eyes of most people, Xiao Kang (pseudonym) has always been a special child: his urination position is abnormal, and he has always squatted to urinate. – In January of this year, UFCH arranged for 8-year old Xiao Kang to be seen by Dr. Zhang Qinming.

After a comprehensive medical examination, it was found that Xiao Kang had a urinary system disease. In February of this year, Dr. Zhang performed surgery on Xiao Kang. That surgery went very smoothly. Now Xiao Kang can urinate while standing like other boys. This small act gives Xiao Kang the ability to be normal and fit in with the other kids.

Facing the child patients, Dr. Zhang is always humorous and patient, mature and calm in his profession, using superb medical skills to help them achieve self-care, integrate into society, and live with dignity. Over the years, Dr. Zhang has helped too many disadvantaged children defeat “little monsters” and improve their quality of life, allowing them to grow up with confidence and happiness.

2. Treating Epileptic Children with Equality

Xiao Hua (pseudonym), who lives in Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, has had untreatable congenital epilepsy since childhood, accompanied by intellectual disabilities, inability to walk or stand, loss of control over urination and defecation, and inability to take care of oneself.

A few years ago, with the help of UFCH, Xiao Hua was brought by a caregiver from a rescue organization to the clinic of Dr. Jin Yiwen, a pediatric neurologist at Beijing United Family Hospital. Epileptic children have great strength and a special temper when they have seizures, making it difficult to coordinate care.

For each visit, Dr. Jin always accompanies the caregiver to lift Xiao Hua onto the examination table and soothes her patiently. No matter how the children react, Dr. Jin always hugs and plays with them gently before asking about their condition, allowing the children and their caregivers to feel warmth and love during each visit.

Under Dr. Jin’s treatment, Xiao Hua’s condition is now well-controlled. Dr. Jin regularly follows up on Xiao Hua’s condition to provide her continuity of care.

 

3. Integrating Rehabilitation into Play for Children

Siblings, older sister 13-year-old Xiao Yu (pseudonym) and little brother 4-year-old Xiao Shu (pseudonym) are both suffering from a rare disease called “fibular muscular atrophy.”

From a young age, Xiao Yu would often fall while walking. Xiao Yu’s mother recalls, “Xiao Yu always had injuries on her knees. The scabs would just heal and she would bump them again.” Similarly, Xiao Yu also couldn’t walk normally. The parents struggled with the children’s conditions, and the long-term cost of treatment made this poor family even worse off.

After understanding the siblings’ condition, UFCH arranged for them to visit the pediatric orthopedics outpatient clinic at United Family Hospital. After diagnosis and treatment recommendations from orthopedic doctors, UFCH arranged for the siblings to receive rehabilitation treatment at Beijing United Family Rehabilitation Hospital.

Occupational therapist Zheng Chunxin provided Occupational Therapy (OT) treatment for the siblings, and later added hydrotherapy for the younger brother. Faced with Xiao Yu, a child who has both epilepsy and a difficult temper, Dr. Zheng and the medical team are always patient and find ways to quickly engage the child in treatment using interesting methods.

After regular rehabilitation, the older sister can now go to school normally, and the younger brother can walk independently and even run in a short path. The quality of their life has greatly improved for the whole family!

 

4. Improving Walking Posture for Children with Lower Limb Deformities

Xiao He (pseudonym), who is 8 years old this year, is lively and sensible, but suffers from limb deformities. One of his ankles is thin, causing him to walk with a tilt to one side and a twisting movement of the waist. This condition makes him lack flexibility.

In March of this year, a charity partner of UFCH applied for Xiao He to receive treatment at the Pediatric Orthopedics Department of Shanghai United Family Hospital and Dr. Xie Feng received him. After an examination, the diagnosis was clarified, and Dr. Xie developed a treatment plan for Xiao He. Dr. Xie’s philosophy is to consider the treatment plan that minimizes injury from the child’s perspective. The surgery in July was very successful, and Xiao He was also given ankle orthotics after surgery. Now Xiao He can stand and walk normally, and his personality has become more cheerful and lively.

In daily life, Xiao He is full of curiosity about new things and has a strong desire for knowledge. He cooperates well with the doctor’s treatment, and we hope he can grow up happily in the future.

 

5. Helping Children Have the “Power to Stand”

At the age of 10, Zhou Zhou (pseudonym) has congenital multiple joint contractures. After applying to UFCH for charity care, we arranged for Zhou Zhou to visit Guangzhou United Family Hospital in May of last year. After examination, Dr. David, Dr. Yanhua, and their team developed asurgical plan specifically for Zhou Zhou. After three surgeries and postoperative rehabilitation training, Zhou Zhou is now able to walk independently, with his gait becoming more stable, and he can even play ball games with other children.

 

To cure sometimes.

To relieve often.

To comfort always.

It is because of these dedicated doctors that our assistance work can proceed smoothly, bringing love and hope to those who need it most, and providing medical support to disadvantaged groups.

Salute to “Angels in White “!

 

Healing Brings Hope