Most people would have given up years ago. Liu Hsia, however, struggles on against a debilitating and rare disease known as "pseudo rheumatic arthritis" even though over the past 26 years it has left her physically helpless. More than 90 percent of the joints in her body are twisted and stiff, and she hardly move at all.
Since she was 12 years old, the disease has gradually deprived her of her functions. Today she cannot walk, lift things, move her hands, turn her head, eat solid food, or even wear heavy clothing. At night she cannot even bear the weight of a cotton quilt lying on top of her, and in the morning, her mother has to brush her teeth, wash her face and comb her hair.
But Liu Hsia's spirit is indomitable. Her latest achievements are to become a leading female writer in the Republic of China, and to win the award for being one of the nation's outstanding young women.
For the past 26 years, pain has been her constant companion. Sitting in a wheelchair, she explains with a smile: "I agree with the philosophy of former U.S. Vice President Humphrey that friendship and love are perhaps the most effective means to cure disease. Without the support and love of my parents, brothers and sisters as well as known and unknown friends, I would not have been able to win the award for outstanding women. I would like to dedicate it to every one of them."
The disease is still an enigma to medicine. No effective cure or even relief has been found. Since the onset of the disease, Liu Hsia has tried Western and traditional Chinese treatments. Everything, from the most primitive aboriginal and up-to-date electrical therapies have been applied to no avail. For the past few years, however, she has taken only modern drugs with the least side effects, and pain-killers.
Before her nightmare began, Liu Hsia was a pretty young girl who achieved distinction in many fields. Then the disease set in, and she became extremely depressed. She locked herself up. She would see nobody, she stopped talking, and had no hope for the future. She began to wonder about the meaning of life.
The turning point came when she was 16 years old. Her mother became a Christian and persuaded Liu Hsia to be baptized. Through her religious beliefs, she began to realize the dignity and significance of life. She learned that the best way to meet a challenge is to face it and overcome it, instead of surrendering. She says: "I love my family, my friends and the world. I care about war in the Middle East, the boat people from Vietnam, and the wellbeing of my friends and neighbors. I share their anxieties and their joys."
Some 10 years ago, when her affliction was not so severe, she spent two years helping some 100 handicapped children to become self-reliant. Though she had to give up her job eventually, she had gained the strength to bear her burden.
Since she found a new way to use her intelligence and humor in writing books, she has been optimistic and at peace with the world. Though her right arm has swollen and hardened, she has written some 40 plays, four prose collection and other works, totaling some 1 million words, despite the pain it has caused her. One of her works, Sheng Chih Ke (Songs for Life) has been praised by principals and teachers of middle schools as ideal for students. The book has even been chosen by a university in New Jersey in the U.S. as part of its Mandarin teaching materials.
Her works are full of hope, love and humor. She respects life and accepts physical disability as a furnace to temper her will. She is compassionate and gives encouragement to those who are afflicted like herself. She believes it is God's will for her to suffer, so she can disseminate immortal glory. She also believes that some day, doctors will find a cure for her disease.
Sometimes she would say in a mocking way that she has become a "famous patient." Many people make long journeys to her home to see her and hear her tell her story. Some even ask her to help them solve their problems. A crippled child who visits her once a week never forgets to bring a small gift, such as a doll, some candy or a greeting card.
She is grateful for the wholehearted support of her family, especially since paying for her treatment is a drain on finances. She especially appreciates the firm support of her mother, who ceaselessly takes care of her, carries her, and prays for her without a word of complaint.
Her strong will and undaunted spirit in facing her fate and creating a new life for herself, have made Liu Hsia one of the most deserving recipients of the outstanding women of the year title.
[Picture Caption]
Liu Hsia (picture left and below in wheelchair) with President Chiang Ching-kuo and other recipients of the outstanding women of the year award.
Right: Though her right arm has swollen and hardened, Liu Hsia has written books totaling some 1 million words. Opposite: Liu Hsia's collection of books.
Right: The Kingfeng (golden phoenix) award and citation for ten outstanding women of the year. Opposite: Liu Hsia's mother brushes her hair for her.
iu Hsia （picture left and below in wheelchair） with President Chiang Ching-kuo and other recipients of the outstanding women of the year award.
Right: Though her right arm has swollen and hardened, Liu Hsia has written books totaling some 1 million words. Opposite: Liu Hsia's collection of books.
The Kingfeng （golden phoenix） award and citation for ten outstanding women of the year.
Liu Hsia's mother brushes her hair for her.
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