Chan Kwok Kwong, 52, suffers from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). After noticing some problems in his voluntary movement, like having shaky hands when holding a pen and stuttering when speaking, he sought medical advice to diagnose his sickness.
“I went from doctor to doctor, one specialist to another,” said Chan.
“It took two years to nail down the exact disease I had.”
PSP is described as a tauopathy – a neurological degenerative disease. Similar to Parkinson’s disease, it is a malfunctioning of neurotransmitters in the brain, and it has no medical explanation or known medical cure.
Chan’s brain scan displaying neurological degenerative processes due to Progressive Supernuclear Palsy (PSP)
According to statistics, approximately 6 people out of 100,000 have PSP.
“PSP has affected my voluntary movement. I have difficulty moving my eyes; and sometimes my eyelids close involuntarily when I am talking. My pace of speaking is a lot slower. Even my thinking ability is a lot slower.”
Besides physical symptoms like slurred speech and loss of balance, Mr. Chan faces a lot of changes emotionally as well.
“I’m a lot more moody and temperamental. Because I get upset easily, I have a lot more arguments with my wife.”
However, he is adjusting to his condition and says that he doesn’t complain as much now.
He is hoping that God will heal him.
“I pray that God would provide me with everything I need. I just have to be optimistic in life. I am hopeful and will face life positively,” said Chan. “I can overcome this battle with God’s help.”
Hang in there Mr Chan. My father had PSP and kept surprising the doctors through his willpower, recovering some abilities . Once you have something they don’t understand, you have to take control yourself (with your family) when deciding what to do. It is progressive though, so Mrs Chan, you will need your own support, as seeing your husband change can be very difficult.
I’m sure you already know about the PSP Association (www.pspeur.org) who are very good, and will take a personal interest in you.
A great variety of photos you’ve gotten there. Really like the fact you followed him to the streets and his choir rehearsal. But I think it might be a bit difficult for only-Canto speakers to understand the audio without chinese subtitles.
Love the ending. So peaceful.. its great!
i have goosebumps all over me now