Sixth grader Lin Tzu-yang’s American father passed away when he was only 3 months old, leaving his mother to raise him on her own. Then when Lin was in second grade, his doctorsdiscovered a tumor in his brain. He found solace from his pain in drawing, and after winning the 10th Dream-Building Project, realized his dream of holding an exhibition of his work.

On one side of the painting are cancer cells faced by a litany of doctors, medicine and friends in an epic battle of survival between good and evil. The artist is 12-year-old Lin Tzu-yang, born to American and Taiwanese parents. When he was only 3 months old, his father died of illness. Then at the age of 8, Lin himself was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Lin Ai-lin
Lin Tzu-yang’s mother
It came out of the blue. When Tzu-yang’s father passed, it was actually Tzu-yang who got me through. So when I heard the news, I thought how could it be? It’s also malignant. After I heard it, that entire month I cried every day, whenever I thought about it.

Still young at the time, Lin didn’t understand the concept of life and death, but he could feel the pain as clear as day. He lost his hair during chemotherapy and the medications made him sick and irritable. All he had as a distraction was drawing.

Lin Tzu-yang
Cancer survivor
I just thought I don’t want my family to know or worry. I didn’t want the adults to know I wasn’t feeling well, so I drew.

He drew to forget his pain, but soon fostered a dream to exhibit his work. He got the chance in March with support from the National Immigration Agency’s Dream-Building Project. All proceeds from his art sales were donated to the care fund at the St. Mary’s Hospital hospice unit.

Lin Tzu-yang
Cancer survivor
With more medical equipment, they can treat more patients. I hope more people can be like me and live better lives.

Lin has made it to the other side of his illness. Sharing his experience through art has helped him express the joys and meaning of life.

This story was provided by the program "We Are Family"
Funded by New Immigrant Development Fund

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