“If I had chosen to continue hiding myself, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.” Taking that first step towards change brings personal growth. In 2010, at the age of 62, Li Yingyi, who was once afraid of revealing her illness, transformed her experience with epilepsy into a story as a living testimony in the community.
“My mother always told me not to let others know about my illness. But now, what do I have to fear?” Mabel, a retired kindergarten teacher, was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 3. Throughout her upbringing, she frequently visited doctors and relied on medication to control her condition. Every time she had a seizure in public, Mabel felt helpless. Despite having a premonition, she couldn’t prevent it from happening. She vividly remembers a time when she suddenly fell to the ground, convulsing, and woke up a minute later to see people surrounding her without offering help. When she returned home, she cried and cried, hiding under the covers. She also suffered injuries multiple times at home and had to seek medical treatment at the hospital.
During her journey of growth, Mabel gradually overcame her fears and learned to seize opportunities. She had always worked in her father’s company and, by chance, came across a job opening for a kindergarten teacher. She gathered the courage to apply for a part-time position, which later turned into a full-time role after the principal recognized her potential. She has been in the profession for over twenty years. Mabel also knew how to seize opportunities for rehabilitation. In 1994, she attended a lecture organized by the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation, which deepened her understanding of her illness and taught her how to co-exist with it. After gaining control over her condition, Mabel actively pursued further education in early childhood education and various computer courses. She also participated in numerous volunteer activities, aiming to help fellow patients. In 1997, she founded the Hong Kong Epilepsy Association.
Mabel’s dedication to volunteer work has continued to this day. As the current chairperson of the Hong Kong Epilepsy Association, her responsibilities include handling administrative matters, organizing member meetings, and coordinating events such as Christmas, Mid-Autumn Festival, lectures, day camps, and overnight camps. “My social circle has expanded significantly, and I have built deep relationships with family members, fellow patients, social workers, association staff, and members. Many things that my family cannot understand, fellow patients, as companions on the same journey, can empathize with.” This is why Mabel has always been committed to volunteering. Even in retirement, she still hopes to give back to society.
“If it weren’t for getting to know the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation, if it weren’t for seeing the Society’s lecture poster at the hospital, I wouldn’t be who I am today.” Mabel believes that the biggest change occurred when she took that first step, gaining more confidence and adopting a positive mindset. “There were unhappy moments and scars, but I kept moving forward.” At this moment, all she wants is to spread hope. If she can achieve it and overcome challenges, she believes others can do the same.