Yvonne Foong

Next week, I’ll be launching my book “I’m not sick, just a bit unwell” (ISBN 983-43253-0-4).

Details are as follow:-

MPH 1Utama
3rd December 2006
3-4pm

MPH MidValley
9th December 2006
3-4pm

I will speak of my experience in writing and publishing, and what writing my own biography means to me. It is in my hope that more physically challenged Malaysians would be inspired to join the mainstream society and lead active, fulfilling lives.

The launch will be followed by a Q&A session, whereby attendees will be encouraged to question me and among one another. Don’t be surprised if you end up bringing home new perspectives and friends!

Please come support me if you have the time!

When doing research on treatment options for neck tumors, I came across this speech made by Tara Turley-Dean at the 1998 Jeans for Genes dinner & auction.

It’s a strong, impactful speech for an 11-year-old NF1 patient. At a tender age, she needs to worry about tumors in her neck and spine. Yet, she’s able to come forth and help raise awareness, as well as money for NF research.

It’s been quite some time since I put myself out there, to help raise awareness while meeting my own medical needs. A handful NF patients in Malaysia have contacted me to let me know they’re NF patients as well. I wouldn’t say “support” because most of the time, it’s about, “I also have NF”. But after some more e-mail correspondence, they dissappear.

I could have done much more for them. I could have volunteered to pay them a visit. I could have raised funds for research and better medical care for everyone. If only I don’t have to raise money for myself.

An anonymous person suggested I write a book on how I managed to raise quarter of a million in such a short time. I find the idea appaling because heck, it’s not about the money. It’s about passion, dream, something not of worldly desires. It’s about putting your goals and passion above money. Like Tara, at that age, I bet she knows nothing about PR or manipulation. Yet people donate to her cause, because she believes in a dream undefined by money.

Unfortunately, not everyone will understand what I’m trying to say. I’ve heard some adults proudly proclaiming themselves to LOVE MONEY above all else. But it is always hardest to part with things you love dearly. (I’m not referring to my fundraising so please don’t assume)

Actually, what I’m doing to help myself is not uncommon in some countries. In our own country, we have selfless volunteers and caregivers, who are doing much more to help others. Abroad, NF patients go public to raise funds for research. So what do most ill and less fortunate people in this country lack? It baffles me.

Maybe it’s the urgent need to take care of ourselves, that we’re left with little room to breathe and care for others. But isn’t that applicable for everyone else, irregardless of health condition and country of origin?

Ah, it’s time I see beyond meeting my own needs as well.

Possibly one of my best gain in LA last month was my visit to the Getty Center. Situated on the hill top of the Santa Monica mountains, the Getty Center is a haven for visual arts.

Founded by J. Paul Getty, one of the most wealthy industrialist of that time, who used his own collection of art as basis of the center.

After a worldwide search for a suitable architect, Richard Meier, was hired to design the Getty Center into an architectural haven.

Meier uses Travertine stone from Italy to build the center, illuminating a warm, subtle atmosphere all day round. Buildings are constructed to provide natural lighting that enhance gallery viewings.

A 5-minute tram ride transport visitors from the carpark to the hilltop. The smooth ride provides a breath-taking view of surrounding sceneries. The photo above is of the hilltop tram station.

The center’s beautiful gardens are a major attraction. From my observation, some people come here just to laze the day away amidst the lush greeneries and colorful flowers. The center’s free entrance make this possible.

My favourite is the sunset view from the Getty Center.

The center is distinguished by the North, South, East, West Pavilion and several others. The separate buildings house Getty Foundation’s many different acquired art collections.

My favourite was Icons of Sinai, a collection of the oldest surviving icons, that provide glimpses into the remote Monastery of Saint Catherine on Mount Sinai, Eygpt.

The Gospels In Medieval Manuscript Illumination is a collection of books and manuscripts of the four gospels telling the life of Jesus.

J. Paul Getty Center is definitely a must-see tourist attraction in Los Angeles. Two thumbs up to the Getty Foundation and the J. Paul Getty Trust for playing a part in the conservation of art and providing free art appreciation opportunities to the public.

Hello everybody! This necklace and other items are sold on a first-come-first-serve basis. Order and purchase is only successful upon payment. There are still 3 necklaces left, so please buy now if you’re keen.

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Last night, Poh Kheng and I was at Rodeo Drive.. It’s still pretty early for Christmas, so minimal decorations could be seen around town.

Genuine Crystal Chandeliers!

Aren’t they beautiful? The box serves to protect the chandeliers from being damaged by the weather.

Imperial army. Or is it the Nutcracker Prince?

Then, at a shop window, I spotted these nice figurines.

Baby Jesus born in a barn!

In the meadow we can build a snowman.
Then pretend he is Parson Brown !

One big happy!

The shops were closed on Sunday night, but I couldn’t afford to shop at Beverly Hills anyway.

Woke up yesterday morning to find a Metro Blue Bus route map tucked in my sling bag. Poh Kheng suggested me to go Santa Monica if I felt like it. I bought the idea. Count me in for sightseeing anytime.

At 3pm, I set off by boarding a Blue Bus number 1. Poh Kheng lives near the main street so the bus stop is just a short walk away. Following Poh Kheng’s instructions, I prepared 75 cents for the bus. It’s about 20-30 minutes bus ride from where she lives (plus the stops at almost every block) to 4th Street on Broadway.

At that point, the Sanra Monica pier is about a 5-10 minutes walk away.

The sky was still bright when I arrived at the pier. Look at this picture. I like how the scenery was softened by mist. Gave away a cool and relaxing effect to the human body. Coming from Malaysia, LA weather is heaven because the weather is not too cold or hot.

To reach the pier and beach, one needs to cross a bridge wide enough to drive on. It’s a stroll to walk over, but coming back up required some strength.

That fella seemed to have more strength than me. Maybe eating shrimp might help, eh? He saw me with the camera and paused, but I took too long to snap so he continued walking up.

Along the pier were many souvenir shops and stalls selling t-shirts, handicrafts and the like. When I decided to come here, I told myself that I will catch the sunset this time.

However, I got so engrossed browsing the shops that by time I came back out, Mr. Sun was already half asleep! Dang, not again. This was my third time visiting the pier, and also the third time missing the sunset. So jinxed!

But at that point, it was still good for some photos, and what else a foreigner equipped with a point-n-shoot gonna do?

Along the pier, many people could be seen with fishing rods and pails of fallen preys. I’ve never understood the fun of fishing, but with that sunset and cooling weather, what could be better than to enjoy nature and eat it too?

Several buskers were there flaunting talents for a living. Two years ago at Santa Monica, there were break dancers and singers too.

I couldn’t believe this woman resisted the beautiful scenery and sat there instead for her image to be molded. But interesting nevertheless. It’s good to see art as popular and not elitist.

There is a little amusement park at the pier. During the three times I was there, no one was at the park. So sad to see the ferris wheel standing still.

This picture was taken at the end of the pier, overlooking the faraway ocean, where some kind of birds fly overhead and LAND on water. What kind of bird is that?

However, I didn’t realize Poh Kheng expected me to be home by nightfall. She borrowed a friend’s car and found me waiting at the bus stop. I felt so bad for worrying her.

This is not fiction.

Since last Sunday, I have been staying over at Poh Kheng’s place and will remain here until I leave on 20th November. The mistress of the apartment is a graduate student at UCLA doing scientific research. While she’s away at work, I am left alone in the apartment with wi-fi, DVD, food, books to read and three cute guinea pigs to admire when I’m bored.

This evening, I decided to go for a walk. When leaving the apartment, I remembered locking the doors behind me.

But when I got back, I couldn’t open the main door, only the grill. I tried many times but failed. Poh Kheng have previously advised me to look for her neighbours, including her supervisor who lives downstairs when I need help, and that’s what I did. I knocked on the door of every apartment that had their lights switched on. But no one came to my aid. They must have been out or they didn’t hear me.

Back and forth, up and down, I tried the keys again and again, then tried the neighbours again and again. Finally, I decided to just wait for Poh Kheng to come home, so I went downstairs and sat curled up on the steps.

Moments later, I looked at the keys in my hands and felt silly. Here they are, the two keys are with me. The door is right there waiting for me to unlock it. The key should fit, but why won’t it open for me? Is this some bad omen or what?

So I said a little prayer for God to give me wisdom in tackling this situation. I went up again and tried, but the door did not budge one bit. After several attempts, I noticed another keyhole in the door knob that I did not notice before. At that time, it was already dark, and the light on the verandah was too dim for me to see clearly.

I tried the key in the doorknob and the door swung open. Wah! Praise God. My anxieties were over.

But, hmmm… was God trying to teach me something? Maybe about soul searching and spirituality, I don’t know. But often, God has a plan for us. He equips us with the right knowledge and tools, but not everyone utlize them.

In Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist, he wrote “When you have a goal, the world’s forces conspire to help you achieve it” (Paraphrase mine)

Or maybe I was just dense, but the unknown remains intriguing. Don’t you agree?

You’ve heard lots about St. Vincent Medical Center, where my bilateral Acoustic Neuromas were removed. Here are some pictures of the hospital, founded by the Daughters Of Charity.

St. Vincent Medical Center

My Mom!

Hospital parking entrance from across the street.

Hospital Lobby and admissions office.

My ward. Less than a week after surgery, I was playing with my camera already. Hehe….

The hospital gift shop, the only source of amusement in the hospital.

At the cafeteria, there is a wall where photographs of Vincentian Award recipients are displayed. The one in the center is St. vincent De Paul.

Mommy at the hospital cafeteria’s salad bar. There are also soup and spaghetti.

Where the main dish is served. There is rice everyday. Side dishes varies from mash potatoes, chicken, fish, vegetable, to eggs.

Coffee or tea?

The hospital has a chapel called “Chapel Of The Sacred Hearts”

Outside the lift at every floor is a statue of a…. SAINT?

I wonder who’s this one.

This cabinet is where the hospital history is displayed, including photographs from early days.

Sister Fidelis Klein, the founder of St. Vincent Medical Center.

Seton Gues Center, where outstation patients and their family members stay in rented rooms before and after surgery.

Please excuse me. I’m terrible at snapping pictures under low lighting.