The Chinese-American Mutual Support Committee, under the auspices of the Chinese Club of Western
New York, was established by volunteers to provide support and assistance to those members who
need urgent help.
Let us tell you a sad story about a couple from our Chinese community here, and explain to you why
they need your help.
The husband came to the United States from China several years ago. He originally settled in New
York City, and worked for several Chinese restaurants there. He was able to gain asylum status and
brought his wife and young son from China to New York City in the spring of 2007. Last fall, they had an
opportunity to move to the Buffalo area to work at a Chinese restaurant here.
They had been in this new location less than three weeks when they were involved in a terrible car
accident. As they were walking, both were hit by a car. At first, no one thought they would live as they
both had multiple fractures and internal injuries. Worst of all, both had very serious brain trauma and
both were in a coma for a long time at the Erie County Medical Center. Eventually, they began to
recover and came out of their coma. They found themselves disabled and unable to think clearly and in
a totally unfamiliar place. Neither of them speaks English, and no one around them spoke their
language! They had no relatives who lived anywhere near this area. Despite all this, they continued to
make slow progress. Eventually, they came to the rehabilitation floor at the hospital, where they could
get more therapy, and where a Chinese doctor could speak their language and understand more of
their situation.
The wife, after being discharged from the hospital, has been able to live temporarily with a local
Chinese family who were kind enough to offer her shelter. She needs help and supervision because of
her continued difficulty in thinking clearly. Members from the Buffalo Chinese Christian Church have
been transporting her to Church activities and out-patient rehabilitation exercises. Her husband is still in
the hospital undergoing difficult rehabilitation, but we hope he may be able to leave soon. Many of the
people helping this couple barely know them, as they are so new to the area. These helpers realize
what a terrible thing has happened, and they want to extend their hands.
Although the hospital and other social organizations have helped them apply for government
assistance, this always takes a long time and does not cover everything that will be needed. This
couple needs a lot of assistance. The husband, who is the more disabled of the two, will not be able to
leave the hospital until they have an apartment which is wheelchair accessible. As things stand now,
these folks have no money left at all. Funds are needed to set up and furnish an apartment for the
recovering parents as well as their teenaged son.
Before government assistance is in place, the Chinese Club of Western New York has started a
special fund to help with this situation. However, more funding is needed. That is why we are
appealing to everyone for help. Donations can be made to:
HSBC Bank – routing# 022000020 Account # 728-91627-4
Or mail your checks to:
Chinese-American Mutual Support Committee, CCWNY
14 Quail Hollow, Lancaster, NY 14086
If you would like to know more about the suffering couple, please contact:
Martha Leung (716)689-8659 or Ying Tong (716)881-8251
Chinese-American Mutual Support Committee,
Chinese Club of Western New York
Mutual Support Committee of CCWNY