We’re never really ready to say goodbye. Especially to people who we love. Because they play such an integral part in our lives, losing them will always leave a gaping hole in our hearts and lives.
Taiwanese artists Lee Yaping (李亚萍) and Yu Tian (余天) have always cherished the time they spent as a family, especially after their second daughter, Yu Yuan-chi (余苑绮) was diagnosed with cancer. Although the family and Yuan-chi fought hard against it, she passed away yesterday (21st August) at the age of 39.
Yuan-chi was first diagnosed with cancer eight years ago. It had been an unforeseeable diagnosis as she was known for taking care of her own health. Yuan-chi reportedly did not smoke or drink, ate healthily and exercised often. However, a genetic test later revealed that she had a high chance of being diagnosed with cancer. Unfortunately, it later became true.
The family did all they could for Yuan-chi. She underwent chemotherapy which supposedly cost almost 2 to 3 million Taiwanese dollars (~RM297,000 to RM446,000) per year. However, last month, the family was told that Yuan-chi’s cancer treatment had to be halted. According to the doctors, the cells had spread and the treatment wasn’t working anymore. Additionally, Yuan-chi was also at a critical stage.
A few days ago, it became clear that Yuan-chi’s condition was deteriorating and fast. She slept often and found speaking difficult. Her father, Yu Tian added that she no longer had an appetite and was on morphine. “Both her lungs are almost (gone),” he shared. “Now, she is on full oxygen. The doctors have also (said) it would be better to not let her suffer.”
Yuan-chi herself must have known her time was almost up because she made a request of her parents. “She asked me to let her go,” her mother, Li Yaping cried. “How could I?” Her father too was upset by the news. However, the family signed an agreement that the hospital would not give Yuan-chi first aid if she was in a critical condition.
Still, her parents were determined not to give up on her. Yu Tian took her kids to visit her on 20th August, hoping it would help. “I told her, I won’t give up on you, no matter how hard we (have to) fight this,” he said. Yuan-chi, upon seeing her kids, also promised her father, “I won’t die so easily.” However, she passed away the following day.
Friends and fellow artist have left condolences, including Barbie Hsu’s sister Dee Hsu (徐熙娣). She uploaded a post on Facebook, telling Yuan-chi: “May you have no pain in heaven, only joy.” Artist Tang Ling (唐玲) who is also a cancer patient, simply wrote three words: “So sad…”
Taiwanese singer Henry Hsu (許富凱) shared that he had met Yuan-chi through their work, but was impressed with her as a person. “It was really fun to work together at that time. You are a good person, motivated and hardworking,” he wrote. “God is really unfair to (take) you who was such a good person away. (Ah), have a nice trip.” Family friend Herman Ti (狄志为) too lamented her loss, praising Yuan-chi’s kindness and bravery.
Yuan-chi passed while surrounded by family. Her parents are understandably distraught, especially since Yu Tian had managed to get the latest cancer treatment for his daughter from the US. However, they are all grateful that she is no longer in pain anymore. Yu Tian added that they will be sharing Yuan-chi’s last words at a later date.
Our hearts go out to her family, friends and all who knew her. We hope they are able to come to terms with their loss and we sincerely hope Yuan-chi finds peace.
