Exceeding Bodily Limitations, Using Legs to Create Opportunity

Chou Ta-Kuan Cultural and Educational Foundation previously held an exhibition for awardees of the Fervent Global Love of Lives Award. From a young age, Pema Tshering was abandoned by his parents. Despite suffering from cerebral palsy he became a well known wood sculptor. Guo Yi-Bo lost his arms at the age of 24, he persevered through obstacles to learn calligraphy. He also made videos, inspiring others to make the most out of each situation.

Tshing was born in Bhutan with artistic talent and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of 6, causing paralysis in his arms. He was abandoned by his parents and was cared for by his grandparents. A watershed moment in Tshing’s life was when he was 18 years old, the Empress Dowager of Bhutan came to his village and asked if there was something he would like. Tshing replied that he would like to go to school and thus sponsored to attend a renowned art institution. After studying for 6 years, the empress dowager heard Tshing used his toes to maneuver the chisels and hammers, spent more time than any other student and still worked hard. She then decided to open a shop in Bhutan’s museum solely to sell his artwork.

In the past, Tshing made an income of $3100 TWD every month. Although his income was not large, he still helped those in need, found his parents and bought them a house; as he believes that children should respect their parents regardless of their actions. Currently his income is $8600 TWD. With this increased income, he founded a school for people with special needs, hoping to give children in similar circumstances as him an opportunity to receive an education.
 

In his video, he expressed that with the help of the Empress Dowager, he luckily received an education and because of this opportunity his life became limitless. He hopes that those who are more fortunate than himself are able to cherish their education and give back to society when capable, as despite his disability, he was able to live independently, hone his skills and develop his talent.
 

Guo Yi-Bo was born in the Eastern region of Mainland China to a family of farmers. After reaching adulthood he became a chef at a restaurant located in Beijing, but he was caught in an explosion when he was 24. After 14 surgeries he survived but lost both his arms and was in $2,000,000 debt for medical expenses. Leaving him optionless but to beg and sleep on the streets, luckily his wife accompanied him through the hardships, who encouraged him to practice his calligraphy. Currently, he not only is renowned locally and overseas but calligraphy also helped him soothe mental obstacles.

Guo Yi-Bo also supports those in need. His work in 2008 consolidated his reputation. When hundreds of thousand passengers were stranded in Shenzhen, Guu brought a thousand packets of instant ramen. Guo would like to express thanks to those who have supported him in the past and will continue to contribute to society after receiving the  Fervent Global Love of Lives Award.