“I have cheated death twice—once when I had a hysterectomy at thirty and again at fifty-eight when I had a heart attack. Now, even if the sky falls, I face it with a playful attitude. I firmly believe that life doesn’t offer a second chance.” Liu Yanyi, 62 years old, works in the service industry and has dealt with diabetes and other health issues. However, these obstacles have not stopped Anita from living a happy and carefree life.

In the past, eating for Anita was merely about replenishing energy, so she didn’t have much knowledge about diet. However, everything started to change when she participated in activities organized by the Community Rehabilitation Network. Laughingly, she recalls a time when she was bored and randomly walked into Wo Che Centre. She ended up signing up for programs and started learning about health management. As a diabetic patient, she learned in class that she should avoid consuming excessive starch. As a result, she now pays more attention to consuming fruits and vegetables, particularly low-sugar fruits. She has also changed her eating habits, transitioning from three large meals a day to smaller, more frequent meals.

Anita genuinely desires to improve her health and believes in following professional guidance. Even when dining out and finding it challenging to find suitable meals according to her preferences, she tries her best to adapt and accommodate. If a dish is too saucy, she will try to separate the sauce or dilute it with some water. In addition to dietary adjustments, she has made positive changes in her lifestyle. Every Sunday, regardless of the weather, Anita engages in physical exercise. On sunny days, she hikes up a nearby mountain, never getting tired of it, and even when it rains, she still exercises in the park downstairs. Consistently sticking to this routine has gradually normalized her blood pressure and heart rate.

With her optimistic nature, Anita hasn’t stopped after her physical recovery. On the contrary, whenever she is invited to share her experience as a patient, she willingly attends and also volunteers in CRN. Anita excitedly shares an anecdote about attending a cardiology seminar where the guest speaker was Moses Chan. Not only did she have the privilege of meeting him, but she also had the unforgettable experience of having coffee with him. Having enthusiasm for life and actively seeking progress is perhaps the key to Anita’s successful rehabilitation.

Anita describes her relationship with CRN as friends. “Because I know that when I need CRN, I can turn to them, and when CRN needs me, they will reach out to me.”