Today, I had the opportunity to visit sick children in the Shanghai Yodak Hospital along with nine other members of the Student Council. Our visit had proven how much of a difference our fundraisers had made to these children’s lives and it had also made us appreciate what we have a lot more.

“I wake up to a cold and wet morning and can’t breathe; I want to get out of bed but I can’t because I don’t have the strength to do it; I stare out the window wondering why I can’t run around and have fun like all the other kids in the village; I would sit there and think, what is wrong with me? One day, my parents brought me to the doctor’s and found out that there is something wrong with my heart–I have a hole in my heart. I have never seen my parents look so sad and scared before. I wanted to tell them that I will be okay and I love them. My parents are farmers and are not rich and I know that they have spent a lot of money on me. The doctor said that the only way that I can get well again is to go to Shanghai to fill the hole in my heart. I know that was not possible…”

These are the words in the mind of a child who has congenital heart disease. Today, I had the opportunity to visit sick children in the Shanghai Yodak Hospital along with nine other members of the Student Council. Our visit had proven how much of a difference our fundraisers had made to these children’s lives and it had also made us appreciate what we have a lot more. It was truly a valuable experience. These families don’t have a lot and at times, they survive merely on hope that their child would continue to live. It is really an eye-opening experience to see these adorable children all healthy and lively again.

Karyn, Co-President of YCIS Shanghai Pudong Campus’ Student Council