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A beacon of hope: Dad honours son's memory by helping disabled kids

PETALING JAYA: In an act of love, Chang Ming Kiet has turned a personal tragedy into a beacon of hope for countless families.

Driven by the memory of his son, Chang Jian An, who died at the age of 5 from muscular dystrophy, Chang set up a centre dedicated to the care and support of children with physical and mental disabilities.

Located in Petaling Jaya, the facility is a tribute to his son's brief yet impactful life, and a lifeline for children in need of compassionate care.

"I married at the age of 19, and had my first son. When Jian An was 3 years old, he developed a fever that progressed into muscular dystrophy," Chang said.

"He passed away at just 5 years old. I was only 21 then. Losing him was the hardest thing I've ever faced. After years of hard work, I knew I had to create something meaningful in his memory. That's when I decided to establish this organisation."

Persatuan Kebajikan Sayap Kasih Malaysia offers a safe refuge and support to children facing the same challenges like Jian An.

"It's my way of ensuring that his legacy lives on," Chang said.

"Although Jian An's life was short, his spirit continues to inspire everything I do."

Through this endeavour, Chang has also created a place where vulnerable children can get the care, love and opportunities they deserve.

In his early 20s, Chang worked as a clothing distributor in China, and build a successful business.

In his 50s, he handed over the reins to his children and turned his focus to creating a charity in Jian An's memory.

As Chang began to meet more families facing similar struggles, he realised there were many children who needed help.

In 2012, he founded the charity that has since provided home to more than 70 disabled children.

For the 60-year-old Chang, who has a wife and six children, festive seasons are always bittersweet as they reminded him of Jian An.

Equally, there was also another child, Jia Cheng — a 5-year-old boy with muscular dystrophy — who fuelled and inspired Chang's unwavering commitment to make the holidays special for other children under his care.

"When Jia Cheng first came to us in 2015, he was just 5 years old," Chang said.

"He had an infectious smile and loved to make silly faces. His cheerful spirit was contagious. We adored him. He was like a ray of sunshine."

Chang would take Jia Cheng on trips to places like the Sunway Pyramid shopping mall, where the boy would light up at the sight of its large crowds.

Chang went above and beyond to create festive celebrations for the children, filling their days with the joy and wonder of the season, just as any child deserves.

But in 2021, tragedy struck when Jia Cheng died.

"When Jia Cheng was 10, he developed a fever that wouldn't go away. We rushed him to hospital. Even though he was hooked to tubes and in immense pain, he never cried. He just smiled.

"It was his way of telling us he was strong," Chang said.

Jia Cheng's bravery and optimism became the foundation of Chang's commitment to the children in his care.

Affectionately known as "Baba" by the kids, Chang made sure they experienced the joy of every holiday season, even when facing financial hardship.

"As donations dwindled in recent years, it became increasingly difficult to cover the costs," Chang said. "There were times when I had to cover expenses from my own pocket.

"But every smile, every moment of joy from the children, made it all worth it. Their happiness is priceless."

The organisation's monthly expenses is about RM50,000 and heavily relies on public donations.

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