小魚兒, Taiwan, Province of China

Before a butterfly can spread its wings in beauty, it must first endure the painful process of transformation. Though the journey is challenging, the reward comes for those who persist, who believe that change is beautiful and worth waiting for.

For Yushan from Taiwan, the road was no different. She faced countless diagnoses, each one more daunting than the last. But instead of succumbing to fear, she greeted each challenge with a heart full of gratitude. "Bring it on!" she would say, facing the trials set before her with unwavering courage. "I have nothing to fear."

Her scars—visible and invisible—told the story of her battle. They weren’t just marks on her body, but symbols of conflict, pride, and fierce willpower. They were reminders of every ounce of strength she had poured into the fight for her life. And like the butterfly that finally breaks free of its cocoon, Yushan emerged stronger than ever. She returned to the stage, her movements graceful and proud, a true dancer once more, the camera capturing the power and grace in every step.

Yet, the memories of the past 11 years—of struggling to speak, of being unable to stand on her own—were never far from her heart. As she looked back on those dark days, her tears flowed freely. With her face buried in her hands, she closed her eyes. But even in that moment of sorrow, she whispered to herself, as only a perfectionist could, "We made it through."

And in that moment, Yushan danced not only for herself but for every part of her journey—the pain, the triumph, and the beauty of life itself.