Southern Families Visit the TFRD Welfare Center

On the weekend of September 27-28, the TFRD Welfare Center received a visit of 38 people from Southern Taiwan. They were represented by fourteen disease groups. Both children and adults who joined the program went home feeling refreshed and energized.

After gathering in Guanxi, Hsinchu for lunch, the families headed to the Welfare Center for a full afternoon of activities. Upon arrival, the staff led a guided tour of the various facilities, such as the Gene Education Center, Welfare Device & Service Center, Fitness room, where participants took turns trying out different equipment, such as weighted carriers, adaptive utensils, and fitness devices. They also visited the Greenhouse.

After the tour, Ms. Lin, who is a family caregiver and Rare Crafts artisan with SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) taught the group how to make pizzas and pineapple cakes. From preparing the dough and adding toppings to sliding the trays into the oven, everyone pitched in to create delicious treats.

Later in the evening, Ms. Hsieh – also a rare crafts artisan and family caregiver with Dravet Syndrome shared the start of her business’ journey. After sharing her experience, she led the group into a hands-on session, in which participants mixed their own cocktails and sparkling drinks.  Participants were involved in the activity, sipping and chatting, they gradually opened, easing some of the stress and emotions that come with living with rare diseases.

On the second day, before visiting the chicken coop area, the group visited the Osmanthus Area. There, they helped with fertilizing. Even participants with limited mobility were able to move comfortably through the fields and enjoy the charm of rural life. After that, Ms. Lee, a Rare Crafts artisan living with muscular dystrophy guided everyone in making scented aroma-stone diffusers. Later, Ms. Wu, a Rare Crafts artisan and family caregiver to a person with pseudohypoparathyroidism led to a DIY workshop on creating bottle-lamp decorations. Each participant carefully designed their own, unique, sparkling creation.

After spending the weekend at the Welfare Center, the group was able to understand more about the environment and the services that the Center provides. The participants also could relax their body and mind. The trip came to a warm and fulfilling close.

Translator: Hector Mao (MS)
Reviewer: Giancarlo Rotolo (MS)