Courageous cancer patients honored with scholarships in Taiwan

The 2026 Courageous Cancer Dream Scholarship ceremony, held at Taichung Veterans General Hospital, honored two young individuals for their extraordinary resilience in the face of cancer. The event, organized by the Chang Yung-Fa Foundation for Arts and Culture, celebrated the strength and determination of children battling the disease.

Among the recipients was Yang Ziyi, a student from Xuguang Elementary School, who suffers from a rare brain tumor that has severely impacted his vision, leaving him with less than 0.01% sight. Despite his near-blindness, Yang demonstrated remarkable dedication by learning to play the guzheng. He captivated the audience by performing Mozart's "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," a testament to his perseverance in mastering the instrument through touch and memorization during his commute.

Also recognized was Jiang Tingxuan, a primary school student from Huiming School for the Blind in Taichung. At the age of three, she was diagnosed with a benign craniopharyngioma. Jiang has undergone an astonishing 13 surgeries, including cranial and reconstructive procedures. The extensive treatment has resulted in significant side effects, including muscle weakness, loss of speech, inability to control her limbs, and impaired regulation of water and electrolytes by her kidneys. Her classmates have affectionately nicknamed her the "craniopharyngioma little angel" for her courageous spirit.

The scholarship aims to support children like Yang and Jiang in pursuing their dreams despite their health challenges. The ceremony was attended by hospital officials, education bureau representatives, and prominent donors, all offering encouragement to the young awardees. Yang's ambition to pursue a doctorate, despite his visual impairment, deeply moved those present.