‘Elephant arm’ girl returns to Taiwan for middle school
When she was two, Reachny Mich was brought to Taiwan from Cambodia to treat a massively swollen "elephant arm." Fourteen years later, she returned to Taiwan to attend middle school. Being an art lover, Mich is gradually developing her voice by teaching herself piano and drawing.
Today’s gym class is badminton. Since Reachny Mich doesn’t have the strength in her right arm to hold the racket, she’s particularly adept with her left, managing to serve one-handed.
Reachny Mich
Middle-school student
I can’t drop the birdie and then hit it. I can just drop it and then hit it with the same hand.
Although she’s from Cambodia, Mich speaks and writes Mandarin fluently. Astute and sociable, she fit in quickly with her classmates and has made some close friends.
Lin Ying-yue
Mich’s classmate
The first time I spoke to her, I for some reason struck up a conversation right away. It was really easy. I also thought she was really adorable. Also kind, good to people and thinks of others.
Since she attended elementary school in Cambodia, Mich says her math skills aren’t very good and she’s still trying to catch up. But her teacher can vouch for her desire to learn.
Chen Chien-ming
Homeroom teacher
Her level wasn’t the best when she started in the first year, but she’s slowly caught up. It’s a very clear improvement. I think before long she’ll be up there with all her other classmates.
In 2010, Mich was diagnosed with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome, a congenital vascular disorder. With help from Yu Tzu-hsun, director of the Formosa Budding Hope Association, she was brought to Taiwan for treatment. Her arm that was 32 centimeters in diameter was successfully reduced to 14.5 centimeters and Yu became like a second mother, establishing her connection with Taiwan.
Yu Tzu-hsun
Mich’s guardian
When she was born, her entire community thought she was a monster, so no one was looking after her. The first time I saw her and heard her story from her mother, I felt horrible. I thought no matter what, this is a child. This is a person.
The compassion of this one social worker was able to turn life around for Mich. Now she is bursting with creative potential, teaching herself piano and how to draw.
Lively and carefree, Mich also serves as a cultural ambassador for her classroom, often sharing words in Khmer with her teachers and classmates.
This story was provided by the program "We Are Family"
Funded by New Immigrant Development Fund
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2024-06-12
