“Trang” by Cathey White

Trang’s Story (2008)

Lifestart first made contact with 25 year-old Trang after she was discovered living in a small room with three elderly dementia patients.. She has had polio since she was about four and it is very difficult for her to walk let alone climb stairs yet her accommodation was on the first floor of an old building. The only bathroom facilities afforded to her existed down a walkway some distance from her room, and were in a deplorable condition. Those few possessions Trang owned could be put in a plastic bag. For four years she had been existing in this traumatic environment with no one to turn to.

She had attended school to Year 9 and came to Hoi An when she was 18. This was the darkest time of Trang’s life. Her parents lived far away on an island and struggled to survive farming rice and mint. She had been forced to leave her family home because her family could no longer support her and her younger siblings. Being disabled, Trang was unable to find any work in the countryside and had no choice but to come by herself to Hoi An. She had no money, no job and nowhere to live and her confidence was at rock bottom – she felt very sick and very alone.

Despite being in almost constant pain with her back and her hard life Trang has always outwardly displayed a persona which is cheerful, bright and bubbly – she possesses the broadest of smiles! Recently though, Trang has been given a real reason to smile – becoming involved with the disabled workshop group has transformed her life! Trang no longer feels alone and “different” but loved, accepted and cherished. Her confidence is soaring and her English is improving as she now participates in the Lifestart ESL classes.

Lifestart has also moved her into much better accommodation. Trang now has a comfortable room to herself with a private bathroom and simple cooking facilities. She is surrounded by other lively, vibrant young Lifestart recipients who help keep her company. She cried that the day she moved into her new room was the “happiest day of my life”. Also a new three wheeled motorbike has made visiting friends and her family back on the island a reality.

Trang has a great love of, and talent with, silk embroidery – but unfortunately these items have a limited market so it has been important to work with Trang to help her use her skills in a way which will create a sustainable income. This is being achieved in the craft workshop where she is able to produce six perfect peace-dove silk cards per afternoon and revel in the friendship of the group.

Trang no longer spends her nights awake in fear – she sleeps soundly…