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Home>Service> Awardees of Fervent Global Love of Lives Award> 11th Fervent Global Love of Lives Award 2008> The Hero of ALS—Hsiao Chien-hua
Taking ALS head on and showing signs of strength
      Hsiao Chien-hua, male, born on February, 27 1966. He was sent to an orphanage at the age of 3 and didn't get adopted until 11, when an old Bunun tribe couple, whose husband was a retired soldier, took him home. Before than he knew nothing about fathers, mothers, or homes. Thanks to the old couple, he had truly learned about the warmth of family for the first time. 

      When Hsiao Chien-hua was in his second year of junior high school, his step father died of illness and the financial situation for his family was looking grim. He had to stop schooling and he began to deliver newspaper. After that, he was a trainee at an automobile service station at the age of 17 and the bread winner of the family. After he finished his military service he was the sole financial provider for his home. He began his own life after his adapted mother died. He did a lot of work study and he graduated from university at the age of 36. 

      Fate did not turn to favor this talented man despite his struggles. 4 years ago, Hsiao found out that he had ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). That slowly drained him of his strength and his limbs began to atrophy. His girlfriend Syue Hui-ling, who he was planning to marry, did not abandon him but stay at his side and has been taking care of him. Realizing that she will never leave him, Hsiao Chien-hua turned around and stopped looking at what he had lost but instead at what he still had. 

      Hsiao wants to share his experience from his journey of life to others and inspire them while he can still talk. Life is unpredictable and he's the best proof of that. No one knows what's coming first – the end of life or the beginning of tomorrow. However, one can bravely face a slow death – be strong and be thankful and love life. He feels that even if only one person had become optimistic because of him, his life would've been worth it. Hsiao Chien-hua bravely faces ALS by leaving behind the shadow of death and embracing tomorrow while helping others and spreading his compassion for all. He's the "Hero of ALS".