Debra Li

debra_lidan@163.com

WHEN Deng Baiyun plucked the strings of his guitar and crooned a song by Chinese rock duo Yu Quan, the eyes of many in the audience became wet. Deng sang to say thanks for his son Deng Jie, who has been helped by the charity project “ICU Kids.”

Wu Yuhui, who works in PICU wards at Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, said his workplace is the last resort before death for many sick children and their parents. “The doors to ICU wards have heard the most sincere prayers in this world,” he said.

He revealed that an average of around 1,000 seriously ill children are admitted into his hospital’s ICU wards each year, of whom 35 to 40 percent are from impoverished families. The daily medical cost for an ICU patient ranges from several thousand yuan to more than 10,000 yuan (US$1,488). The total medical expenses incurred in saving Wang Zirou and Deng Jie, who have been subsidized by the project, each reached more than 100,000 yuan.

More than 300 youngsters shined at the fundraising concert aimed at helping children being treated in ICU wards at the 1,680-seat Shenzhen Concert Hall on Thursday night. The show, presenting songs and dances, was also interspersed with video clips and presentations from those who have received or given a helping hand. Many in the audience were moved to tears, coming home with a night of indelible memories.

The project “ICU Kids,” managed by Shenzhen Project Care Foundation, had raised more than 1.7 million yuan (US$253,000) from more than 20,000 loving contributors by Thursday, and the money will bring hope to children struggling against serious diseases.

Opening the concert was 14-year-old Victoria Qiuzhang, who sang the theme song “Maiden Voyage” she wrote for the concert.

“To sing on the stage of Shenzhen Concert Hall and raise money for the children in ICU wards is a dream come true for me,” the girl said. “A lot has happened in the past seven months. Being a part of this project taught me about teamwork, tolerance and respect for life.”

Influenced by her maternal grandma, an optimistic and loving lady who passed away last year, Qiuzhang has cherished a passion for singing since she was young, and she said this concert has helped her find meaning for her passion. “Happiness is when you find meaning for the things you do. I take great joy in helping others with my songs.”

“My grandma had always taught me to be considerate toward others; ‘Maiden Voyage’ signifies a new start when I’ve done something meaningful to pay homage to her.”

A gold medalist at the Chinese Children Small Golden Bell Music Contest, the young singer-songwriter sang a total of 10 songs, including two other original songs “Childhood Memories” and “Hopeful.”

“Childhood Memories” resonates with almost everyone because the sweet reminiscence about one’s childhood and someone who had cared for them but is no longer around is a private but also universal feeling. With lyrics in English, “Hopeful” is meant to cheer up the ICU kids and tell them to carry on.

Charity starts in the family. Qiuzhang’s mother Zhang Huizhen, CEO of high-tech firm Huijian Group who started the “ICU Kids” project last year, shared more details about the beginning of this charity project.

“Nine hours before we officially launched this project Sept. 21, my mother Shen Zhaoying left me forever after losing a fight against pancreatic cancer. She had been kind and put other people before herself her entire life. She had often sent me away from her ward’s bedside because I had ‘bigger things’ to do and other people to help,” Zhang choked on her words.

“We had a deal that she would come to this fundraising concert to cheer for the ICU kids. She didn’t make it. But her love continues to inspire us to do good and help others whenever we can.”

Victor, Zhang’s other child, recited a poem by the title of “Tree of Life” together with Shenzhen radio emcee Zhao Hui during the show.

Presently studying in College Alpin Beau Soleil in Switzerland, Victoria Qiuzhang had also started a “Night Skiing Challenge” fundraising event with her school that raised nearly 4,000 francs (US$3,920) for the project, donated by her schoolmates from 63 countries as well as by her school.

Kevin Foyle, principal of the girl’s school, previously sent a video clip to wish the concert success. “Victoria is well-known and well-liked at school. ... We’ve always encouraged our students to take their talents to make a difference in the world,” he stated in support for the charity project.

Thursday’s concert was a milestone of the fundraising project, where young Shenzheners spread the word of the urgency to help this special group.

Emceed by Phoenix TV host Ren Ren and Shenzhen TV host Pang Wei, the show also featured nine of the 15 goodwill ambassadors of the project, who sang “The Brightest Star in the Night Sky” by Escape Plan.

The climax of show was when Victoria Qiuzhang and five other young singers sang Irish-Norwegian duo Secret Garden’s power anthem “You Raise Me Up” accompanied by 86 singers from Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra Children’s Choir. The audience gave a standing ovation to the heartfelt interpretation by the crystal clear voices.

Tong Qiao, secretary general to Shenzhen Project Care Foundation, has been following through on the project from the very beginning.

“We let the young help their peers, and let their goodwill turn into actions that make a difference in other people’s lives,” she explained about the purpose of this project.

“It does not just extend a timely hand to those in difficulty, but also helps the givers to realize their responsibility and grow up into a generous person.”

Shenzhen has always been tolerant and loving, and the love cycle continues to spin. As Deng Baiyun has said, “With so many people helping us, we will not give up despite a slim chance for my son’s recovery. We will also spread the goodwill and help other people when we can.”