Saving Sifu Ling

My Sifu has fallen seriously ill. The problem is whole body. It involves the kidney function and Uric acid. Then the adrenal gland, high Aldosterone levels and very low potassium levels. The latter interfering with the heart and other body functions. Testing, scans, diagnosis, in-hospital medical care, doctor visits, treatment and medication have exhausted his resources. His immediate kung fu family have also exhausted their resources. We need help to keep going and get Sifu back to health. There are answers if there are resources.

I, along with The Family, are broken and humbly present our pain...

 

My name is Richard Dean, and I am raising funds for the medical care and procedures for my dear Mentor, Brother and Best Friend, Sifu Eric Ling. He is a world-renowned teacher and preservationist of Traditional Chinese Martial Arts. We call the collection of his knowledge Hua Quan Dao, or Way of the Chinese Fist. From Saolim Lohan, to Fuzhou Whooping Crane, these are the bookends of what we practice. I've known Sifu Ling for 15 years now. His effect on my life, and the lives of others, has been so deeply profound...there are no words. I'm truly blessed. Anything you have received from me, you have received from him. Here's a picture of him from one of my many visits during much better days...

 

 

The vitality and strength demonstrated in this picture are nearly all but a memory. About three months ago, Sifu found himself in what was diagnosed as acute kidney failure. Uric acid had flooded his entire body, especially his joints in the legs and arms. He was stricken with insufferable pain leaving him unable to move. On a shoestring budget, attempts were made to deal with the affliction. Unfortunately, minimal progress was attained, and funds were depleted. Although Sifu has been unable to afford full medical support, he has executed tremendous effort with diet and medication. Despite these efforts, it was not enough. An emergency admission to the hospital was unavoidable. Medical care was given and tests were conducted. This proved somewhat helpful. Minor adjustments were made to his recovery protocol, but Sifu had to go AMA and discharge as there were no funds for the needed in-hospital care and tests to continue. Where Sifu lives, there are no back-stops or safety nets, even for such serious situations! Care is not given without up-front payment. Hua Quan Dao and his Kung Fu family have been able to help, but unfortunately, recovery is now maxing out our capacity alone. Due to COVID lockdowns, Sifu's local school has been closed! We have been managing, but more recently, Sifu's health took another turn for the worse.

 

 

Sifu awoke several days ago to great pain in the legs, coupled with more swelling. Thankfully, while home alone, wobbly and unable to walk, a family friend was able to come and gather him for a GP visit. The GP listened to his heart and told him he must go directly to the hospital...his heart was not beating correctly! He was immediately admitted due to the generosity of the friend. He was able to see an endocrinologist. This man is one of only two in his entire Provence! An EKG revealed his heart was skipping beats and experiencing arrhythmia. Blood samples were taken. The tests did yield some answers...high Aldosterone levels appear to be keeping Sifu from absorbing potassium! This has been causing its own set of pain and problems, and can effect the heart. Very high doses of potassium can provide as the problem finds resolve. This is good, but potassium levels are still low. Kidney function has improved, and Uric acid has come down, but both are still not resolved.

 

So what lies ahead? There are answers...Special blood tests and lab work, along with body scans for the adrenal gland and the kidneys. Hopefully, this will get Sifu to a diagnosis and pinpoint the root of the problems. Then there will be treatment and remedy...possibly surgery! The Endocrinologist has speculated that a tumor could be affecting the adrenal gland, elevating the Aldosterone, inhibiting the uptake of Potassium, possibly causing some arrhythmia...Wow...A lot to unpack...but treatable!!! The kidney issues are no longer acute, so the regimen for the Uric acid should continue to find good progress. But folks, this is not easy and definitely not affordable for everyday people...we need help.

 

The financial means must be there if Sifu is to find his way back to good health and vitality! I'm especially looking to the Wulin family, and more so to those who have benefited in making documentaries, writing books, downloading his priceless materials, or just learning from his postings and video presentations, all free of charge in the spirit of sharing and propagating. Now we can share and give back.

 

Any amount will help! Your generosity can bring such magnificent results! Let's all contribute in this time of need. By doing so, you won't just help a life, but the many that are touched by that one life. He's a true treasure! I hope to have positive news for you all soon and will continue to update here. Thank you all so much! As his DiaShihing, you have all of my love and appreciation, the love and appreciation of the entire Hua Quan Dao Family, and especially the love and appreciation of Sifu Ling. Blessings.

 

Richard Dean

DaiShihing HQD