Dreams fly high on helicopter ride
“We‘ve taken off!” As he gazes down on the cityscape of Victoria Harbour from his seat in a helicopter, 14-year-old Tsz-kin knows exactly what he is looking at. “There’s the IFC (International Finance Centre), and there’s the ICC (International Commerce Centre),” he exclaims. “When I see so many skyscrapers from high up in the sky, I realise Hong Kong is really beautiful.”
On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), Adolescent Medical Centre has organised the ‘Dreams*2Gather’ programme this year. Tsz-kin, who suffers from the rare condition Duchenne muscular dystrophy, was one of 25 paediatric patients with critical illnesses and special needs whose wishes became a reality. Tsz-kin is wheelchair-bound after his muscles wasted away because of his condition, but he determined to make the most out of life and set a goal of travelling around by land, sea, and air. He had already taken a trip on a speedboat with the help of a disability organisation and a ride in the cab of an MTR train before the thrilling helicopter ride unlocked his ambition.
On the day of his trip, Tsz-kin was escorted to the helicopter by his mother and healthcare volunteers. As the helicopter took flight over Victoria Harbour, Tsz-kin and his mother cheered with delight as they saw the sunlight glisten on the water and found themselves climbing towards the clouds. “The most exciting part was the take-off,” he says breathlessly after his flight. “I felt I had left the ground and I was getting closer and closer to the sky. Flying has been my dream since I was a kid. My physical condition is limiting, so I treasure the sights I see.”
Twists and turns of fortune
There were twists and turns in the run-up to the 15-minute helicopter ride. A thunderstorm warning was issued in the morning and the trip had to be postponed, but the volunteer team quickly adjusted and arranged for Tsz-kin and his mother to fly with another family later in the day.Eve Wong, QEH Medical Social Worker as well as the programme coordinator, says many youngsters with critical illnesses and chronic conditions have difficulties fulfilling their wishes because of their physical limitations. “Some don’t even dare imagine they can fly in helicopters or go on exciting trips, so we have to think of ways to help them with this dream therapy,” Eve explains. “It helps them face their illness with more positivity, brings energy and happiness to their days.”
Tsz-kin’s mother Michelle says a helicopter ride is a rare experience for anyone, let alone a youngster in a wheelchair. “I am very grateful to the healthcare staff and volunteers for arranging the helicopter ride for us,” she says. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it is already an unforgettable memory for us. I could see the positive impact on Tsz-kin during the trip when he took the initiative to chat with the pilot in English. It gave him a different experience in his limited life, and I greatly appreciated the care and compassion of the healthcare staff.”
Tsz-kin’s health has deteriorated in recent years, and he requires frequent medical appointments. But the helicopter ride was an uplifting experience that reflected the positivity of the family and their inspiring determination to treasure and enjoy each precious day. “The rain will always be over and everything will get better.”
