I wish to be a violinist 

Shing Yan, Age 15, Hong Kong

Fifteen-year-old Shing Yan fell in love with violins. He started learning in primary school and has progressed to a higher level, becoming the leader of his school's string orchestra just last year. In 2008, this passionate music lover developed a persistent fever and was diagnosed with cancer. A year-long treatment required Shing Yan to give up his violin.

Violin brings so much joy to Shing Yan that he would spend hours practicing each day. When he was in the hospital, he came to know the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Hong Kong and he wished to use this opportunity to realize his dream. When volunteers visited him, he told them that he wanted a handmade violin from Europe so that he could further his skill in the future. Volunteers from the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Hong Kong found three violins for Shing Yan to choose from. In the end, he chose a beautiful handmade violin from Germany. Shing Yan said, “this violin is already very close to being my dream violin!”

Shing Yan almost had to give up his dream of being a violinist due to his treatment. He felt so lost and frustrated. Under the encouragement of his parents, teachers and schoolmates, he managed to hang on. He wishes now more than ever to be a string orchestra leader in the near future. Right now he has started preparing for his Grade 7 examination. Since the school music teacher cannot teach Shing Yan to play the violin, volunteers have begun searching for a new teacher who can bring his skill to another level.

Shing Yan has completed his hard treatment and can now hold his new violin. He recently performed at a Make-A-Wish Foundation of Hong Kong fundraising event. He spread his joy and demonstrated the holiday spirit by playing a beautiful melody for those in attendance. Shing Yan hopes to one day continue learning to play the violin in Vienna and to become an outstanding violinist or conductor.

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