Hope awakens with muscle movement in stricken dancer

Dancer Mo Lee Kai-yin, severely injured and paralyzed during a concert by Mirror on July 28, has experienced "awakening signs" in his muscles, according to his clergyman father.

Writing in a 12th "prayer letter" yesterday, Derek Li Shing-lam also thanked people around the world for their messages of support.

Li said swelling in Mo's spine had subsided slightly, and some arm muscle had seen small awakening signs.

Besides also thanking the medical team once more for their efforts, Li expressed gratitude for Mo's friends organizing a support event in Causeway Bay on his 28th birthday this Friday. Mo was aware of the effort, he said, and felt "a strong connection with the love and support."

Li also called for more prayers to help his son's recovery.

It was on July 28 that a giant screen fell during a Mirror show at the Hong Kong Coliseum, injuring Mo - who is in danger of being paralyzed from the neck down - and two other dancers, Chang Tsz-fung and Zisac Law Tak-chi.

Among other effects, Mo's father said, the dancer's swallowing reflex has not recovered fully, so water and other drinks will sometimes get into his lungs, causing lung inflammation and mild fever. "The tracheostomy is likely to be removed next week, but we are struggling," Li added. "If his lung inflammation becomes unstable after removing the tracheostomy all the efforts we made will be back to square one."

Li also referred to the removal last week of the neck brace Mo had worn for 10 weeks.

"He has to rely on a pillow to support his wound after surgery," Li said, and that was tough going for 24 hours a day.

Eleven weeks after the accident, Li went on, his own horizon had been broadened, and he had a better understanding of his son's daily life.

eunice.lam@singtaonewscorp.com