Crystal Ho

As I was growing up in Canada, my parents and I spent our free days participating in parades and other activities to rescue my grandpa and uncle from China. Immediately after the persecution of Falun Gong was initiated on July 20, 1999, the police had begun raiding my grandparents’ home, and took my grandfather away on a few occasions. In October 2000, my grandfather was again “arrested” and this time was unlawfully sentenced to three years in a prison camp. Shortly afterwards, my uncle suffered a similar fate. 

Perhaps I was too young to understand then, but my family had paid a heavy price simply for believing in Falun Gong and its values of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. As I grew older and began to understand why we were participating in events to raise awareness about the persecution, I couldn’t fathom why innocent people were punished for trying to become better people. I had seen the immediate effects on my own family and the devastation it caused. Practicing Falun Gong had only brought good things into their lives, making them better people, yet they were punished and tortured for it. Finally, through the tireless efforts and support of countless people, my grandfather and uncle were able to escape from China and be free. However, my grandfather’s health was ruined from the years of torture and and forced labor, and a doctor declared that he was beyond any treatment. Luckily, and miraculously, my grandfather was able to regain his health within a month after resuming the practice of the Falun Gong exercises. 

In 2006, I watched the wonderful performance that was Shen Yun. It inspired me, and from then on, I had a wish to one day be a part of something both beautiful and that spreads the truth about the persecution all over the world. In 2014, I fulfilled my biggest dream and was lucky enough to be accepted to perform with Shen Yun Performing Arts. Every year since then has brought wonderful new experiences and the chance to inspire others through art. 

My family is but one out of countless families that suffered because of the persecution. People should be allowed to aspire towards being kind, truthful people. Hopefully one day, Falun Gong will again be allowed in China.