Never turn anyone down

In 2001, Tzu Chi volunteers in Zamboanga began the VP Shunt Program, which assists poor children inflicted with hydrocephalus and brain tumors to receive free checkups and treat­ment. [A ventriculoperitoneal shunt is a small tube that helps relieve pressure on the brain by draining fluid.] More than 70 patients have received treatment over the past three years.
"A lot of children here suffer from hydro­cephalus, which is also known as 'water on the brain.' If they don't receive treatment in time, the sickness leads to permanent physical or mental handicap, or even death," Yang explained. An operation to remove a brain tumor costs between 50,000 and 100,000 pesos (about L'559,000-19,000). In most cases, this equals the entire life savings of a family.

The 58th hydrocephalus patient was a three-month-old baby called Johanna. Her father, a jeepnev driver, found it very hard to support his family of seven. His burden was significant­ly worsened by Johanna's medical fees. He asked around for help and was finally referred to Tzu Chi.

"Every day I prayed to Allah, but I never thought I would get such a quick response," Johanna's father said, with great relief, after dis­covering that Tzu Chi was able to help him.

In Mav 2004, after two weeks of treatment, Johanna recovered. When her story reached the parents of Von, a one-year-old patient, they also contacted Tzu Chi for help. "Ever since our child was born, we had saved money for his treatment. However, the money turned out to be only enough to pay for checkups. Not long ago, the doctor advised us that Von would need surgery as soon as possible. Tzu Chi was our last, and onlv, hope."

Yang said that many impoverished families sell their entire supply of livestock in order to travel to Zamboanga and ask Tzu Chi for help. The volunteers understand the incredible hard­ships these people have to go through just to get there, so they have pledged never to turn down any children who arrive in need of treatment.
However, the colossal expense of this pro­gram is a hefty responsibility for the limited number of volunteers and 300 Tzu Chi mem­bers based in Zamboanga. "The Master told us not to worry about money if we are sincere in our charity work," Yang said. "If we are com­mitted to doing what we should, things will finally turn out all right. So we continue look­ing for patients who need help. Whenever we need money badly, someone always shows up to help us."