Sincerely Wishing for a New Life: Severe Scoliosis Surgery and International Humanitarian Medical Care Press Conference
Sincerely Wishing for a New Life: Severe Scoliosis Surgery and International Humanitarian Medical Care Press Conference
Eleven-year-old Liao Cheng-Xin, a girl of Chinese descent from Myanmar, was born with a visible deformity in her left arm and shoulder. By 2020, at the age of eight, an abnormal protrusion appeared on her back. In Myanmar, where healthcare resources are limited, the situation worsened after the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent military coup, leaving international humanitarian medical teams unable or unwilling to enter the country. Cheng-Xin’s scoliosis rapidly progressed: the severe spinal deformity made it impossible for her to lie flat, forcing her to sleep only on her side. At an age when most girls care deeply about appearance, she had no choice but to wear oversized clothing in an attempt to hide her condition and avoid the stares of others. Beyond affecting her appearance and self-esteem, severe scoliosis progressively compressed Cheng-Xin’s heart, lungs, and nerves. Without proper treatment, she faced the risk of paralysis, pneumonia, or even death from a simple cough. Her parents, missionaries in Myanmar, were not financially well-off. Desperate to afford the massive cost of overseas surgery, they even considered selling their only home. Yet cost was not the only obstacle—the surgery for such severe scoliosis is highly complex and risky, and many hospitals could not perform it. The family was deeply anxious until, through their church, they connected with Dr. Chen Chun-He, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon from Chiayi Christian Hospital (CCH) who was at that time training in spinal correction surgery at the Mayo Medical Center in the United States. By providence, Dr. Chen himself was also of Chinese-Myanmar descent. He had immigrated to Taiwan with his family at the age of twelve, when his father carried only USD 13, so he deeply empathized with the family’s sense of helplessness. “I originally went to the U.S. to specialize in foot deformity and hip joint surgery, and all arrangements were set. But due to the pandemic, the program was canceled,” Dr. Chen recalled. He was redirected into spinal correction training instead. Initially disappointed, his outlook changed after receiving a plea for help from Cheng-Xin’s father. Around the same time, Chiayi Christian Hospital inaugurated its Smart Surgery Building with advanced equipment. As a Christian, Dr. Chen firmly believed all of this was God’s arrangement: “Although challenging, I had no reason to refuse,” he said. Upon returning to Taiwan, Dr. Chen received full support from the hospital. He collaborated with Dr. Huang Yi-Hung, Director of the Minimally Invasive Spine Center at CYCH, and invited orthopedic authority Dr. Tseng Hsiao-Tsu from Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital to join the surgery. Considering Cheng-Xin’s nerves and blood vessels had long been compressed, correcting too much at once could risk paralysis. Thus, the surgery was staged across two sessions, on October 20 and November 3, 2023, totaling over 30 hours. The result successfully reduced the curvature to 57 degrees. Her spine was straightened, cardiopulmonary function was relieved, and her height increased from 135 cm to 150 cm. She now requires long-term rehabilitation to retrain breathing and restore posture. Historically, Taiwan had faced polio epidemics, with many scoliosis cases in Chiayi. The late Dr. Marcy Leroy Ditmanson, founding superintendent of CYCH, at the age of 50, decided to return to the U.S. for training in orthopedics and scoliosis surgery after seeing countless patients with no hope. Equipped with only basic instruments, he performed corrective surgeries for hundreds of children with polio-induced scoliosis, fully funded by American mission societies so that patients bore no cost. This spirit of humanitarian care continues at CCH today. Without Taiwan’s National Health Insurance, Cheng-Xin’s medical costs exceeded NT$1.8 million. Adding airfare and months of living expenses, even selling their house might not have sufficed. Upon learning of their plight, numerous organizations stepped forward: China Airlines donated round-trip business-class tickets from Yangon to Taipei, upgrading her parents’ seats so they could accompany her. Eagle Co., Ltd. sponsored high-speed surgical drills. Polybio Biomedical Co., Ltd. donated bone screws and graft materials. Grand Pacific Biotech and Jei-Peng Co., Ltd. supported the spinal fixation system. Medtronic Taiwan and Jin-Yang Co., Ltd. sponsored blood recovery systems. Chong-Wei Rehabilitation Supplies Co., Ltd. (Taichung branch) donated the post-op brace. Altogether, sponsorships were worth about NT$600,000. CYCH surgeons and anesthesiologists voluntarily waived their surgical fees, while the hospital and local churches raised another NT$200,000. The remainder was covered by the hospital’s Humanitarian and Overseas Care Fund, ensuring the family could keep their home. “Thanks be to the Lord! She is happiest that she can finally wear dresses,” said Pastor Liao, Cheng-Xin’s father. In Myanmar, people had often remarked that his daughter would never marry or live a happy life. Though optimistic and resilient, Cheng-Xin carried this burden. Now, her parents are filled with gratitude to CYCH, China Airlines, the medical device companies, and churches in Taiwan. They also expressed heartfelt thanks to Pastor Fang Chen-Ting, who generously hosted them for months despite never having met them before. At the press conference, Cheng-Xin personally prepared Myanmar’s signature tea leaf salad for the medical staff and guests, as an expression of gratitude. CYCH President Yao Wei-Jen noted that the hospital’s Humanitarian and Overseas Care Fund, supported by public donations, usually aids overseas missions and international patients in need. In Taiwan, scoliosis patients typically receive timely care through braces or other conservative treatments, but curvatures beyond 40 degrees are classified as severe and recommended for surgery. Limited by economic hardship, healthcare shortages, and political instability, Cheng-Xin’s case tragically progressed to a rare and extreme 160 degrees. Today, such severity is seldom seen in Taiwan. With the joint effort of experienced surgeons, advanced equipment, intraoperative imaging/navigation, and neural monitoring, and the support of many benefactors, Cheng-Xin’s life has taken a new turn. May she now live a healthy and joyful future.