Joanna Tse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joanna Tse Yuen-Man
MBG
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Bronze statue in the Tai Chi Garden, Hong Kong Park
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| Born | March 31, 1968 |
| Died | May 13, 2003 (aged 35) Tuen Mun Hospital, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong
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| Cause of death | SARS |
| Nationality | Hong Kong |
| Occupation | Pulmonologist at Tuen Mun Hospital |
| Known for | Volunteering to take care of SARS patients, later dying from the disease |
Joanna Tse Yuen-Man (Chinese: 謝婉雯, 31 March 1968 – 13 May 2003) was a brave doctor from Hong Kong. She was a lung specialist, also known as a pulmonologist. Dr. Tse sadly passed away during the SARS epidemic in Hong Kong in 2003. She had volunteered to help patients who were very sick with SARS. Her courage and sacrifice made her a hero.
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Early Life and Education
Joanna Tse was born on March 31, 1968. She grew up in Shek Yam, Kwai Chung, Hong Kong. She was a very bright student. In 1985, she earned excellent grades in her school exams.
Dr. Tse then studied medicine at the Chinese University of Hong Kong Faculty of Medicine. She graduated in 1992. After finishing her studies, she began working as a doctor at Tuen Mun Hospital.
A Doctor's Dedication
Joanna Tse's husband, Chan Wai-Hing, was also a doctor. Sadly, he passed away in May 2002.
On June 30, 2003, Dr. Tse was honored for her bravery. She was given the Gold Medal for Bravery (MBG). This award was given to her because she volunteered to treat SARS patients. She was the only woman and the only medical worker to receive the gold medal among those who died from SARS.
Fighting SARS
In March 2003, a serious illness called SARS spread in Hong Kong. Tuen Mun Hospital received many SARS patients. The hospital needed more lung specialists to help. Dr. Tse bravely volunteered to work in the special ward for SARS patients.
Helping Patients
Dr. Tse and a male nurse named Lau Wing-Kai worked together. They helped patients who were very sick with SARS. They performed a procedure called intubation on these patients. This procedure helps patients breathe. During this time, they might have been exposed to infected droplets.
Her Illness and Passing
Dr. Tse became sick and was hospitalized on April 3, 2003. She was later moved to the intensive care unit. Many top doctors, including Joseph Sung and Yuen Kwok-yung, consulted on her case. Sadly, Dr. Tse passed away on May 13, 2003.
Remembering Dr. Tse
The news of Dr. Tse's death deeply saddened many people in Hong Kong. The media called her "Hong Kong's daughter." This showed how much she was loved and respected.
A Father's Message
On May 17, Dr. Tse's father shared a message with the people of Hong Kong. He hoped that his daughter's courage and sacrifice would inspire everyone. He wanted Hong Kong people to never give up. He also thanked everyone for their support.
Funeral and Honors
Dr. Tse's funeral was held on May 22. Many important people attended, including the Chief Executive, Tung Chee-hwa. About 2,000 citizens also came to pay their respects. She was buried in Gallant Garden, a special cemetery for heroes.
To honor Dr. Tse, a special fund was created. It was named the "Dr. Tse Yuen-Man Training Fund." This fund helps train medical staff. Her story continues to inspire many people.
Tributes and Media
Dr. Tse's heroic actions have been remembered in different ways. A Christian organization made a TV movie called "Asian Heroes" and a film called "The Miracle Box" about her. A student from Dr. Tse's old school wrote a song in her memory. The song is called "A Song to Be Lived." It was composed by Nicholas Tse and sung by Joey Yung.
