Written by Wen-Hsien Sun, Chih Kao Hsieh, and Ai-Chu Wu
Translated by H.B. Qin
Edited by Ariel Tsai
The Tzu Chi Northwest Region’s Medical Team conducted a community free clinic at the Sudhana Center of the Dharma Realm Buddhist University in Ukiah on July 20, 2025. The community free clinic cared for vulnerable populations while engaging local volunteers and residents. All participants embraced Tzu Chi’s spiritual ideals, selflessly serving the community with passion, dedication, and expertise.
A Thousand Hands Joined to Safeguard Health and Love
Ukiah, a small town with approximately 16,000 residents about two hours northwest of San Francisco, is home to many vulnerable residents. Tzu Chi organized a free clinic that inspired local residents to volunteer to care for the vulnerable.
Tzu Chi used to host free clinics here from 1995 to 2008, and this time’s free clinic marks a renewed commitment. The Northwest Region’s medical team, led by Jean So and Yuaner Wu, communicated weekly with the responsible personnel, Valerie Tseng in Ukiah, Ruby Chen and Ai-Chu Wu in Santa Rosa, and other volunteers, to meticulously coordinate venue logistics and staffing arrangements, demonstrating the dedication of Tzu Chi volunteers.
Northwest Region medical volunteers Andrew Liu, Eric Kawakami, and Alvin Lu gathered supplies for the free clinic the day before the free clinic and loaded them onto trucks. As they arrived at the Sudhana Center after a long journey, Northwest Region volunteers and Ukiah local volunteers unloaded equipment from the trucks and set it up. At the same time, the volunteers set up clinic rooms, bustling back and forth to organize and arrange both indoor and outdoor spaces. Everyone collaborated seamlessly and completed the preparation. Although drenched in sweat, their faces bore satisfied smiles.
It was sunny on the day of the free clinic, and people felt the warmth and the joy of love. The Tzu Chi Dental Mobile Clinic arrived at its designated location before 7 a.m., while Northwest Region volunteers had already arrived at the Sudhana Center. The volunteers and the Sudhana Center staff checked everything for the last time.
Stanford Tzu Chi Collegiate Association (Tzu Ching) volunteer Katherine Wang assisted with computer data entry for patients at the registration area. She said, “I’m thrilled because this clinic aligns with my interest in medicine. I’m responsible for patient registration. Meeting diverse individuals has been inspiring. Everyone at Tzu Chi is so warm and welcoming, and I felt supported throughout the process. Overall, this free clinic was a success, and I’m eager to help again next time!”
Ukiah Tzu Chi Youth Group (Tzu Shao) Co-president Leo Wang Cristabel Zhao said, “Participating in Tzu Chi’s free clinic is a meaningful and exciting experience. Watching volunteers assist residents with registration and welcome them taught me a lot. I’m grateful for this opportunity and look forward to helping again!”
First-Time Participation: A Heartwarming Experience
Santa Rosa volunteer Haili Marshall, who served as an assistant in the acupuncture department, said, “I’m participating in Tzu Chi’s free clinic for the first time. I deeply felt the warmth and power of teamwork. Local volunteers warmly welcomed us, thoughtfully preparing a hot breakfast, a cup of tea, and fruit. This not only warmed our bodies but also our hearts, allowing us to approach the day’s work with full energy.”
Patient Hsiang Yang (Haili Marshall’s mother) shared, “I came to the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation’s free clinic to seek treatment, and it was a wonderful experience. As I arrived early, I witnessed Tzu Chi volunteers meticulously transporting equipment, setting up facilities, organizing check-ins, distributing numbers, receiving patients, processing forms, and guiding consultations; everything proceeded smoothly and orderly. The staff were kind and approachable, creating a truly warm atmosphere. Specialists in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Spinal Care, Dentistry, and other departments were all diligently providing consultations. I was seen by TCM Dr. Mike Liaw. I personally experienced his masterful medical skills as he provided detailed guidance on diet and daily routines tailored to my condition. He alleviated my leg pain with acupuncture and physical therapy techniques. I found his treatment truly admirable.”
I deeply admire and am grateful for the spirit of great love conveyed by Tzu Chi!
Tzu Chi's Connection
Wayne Chen, Vice President for Finance and Administration at Dharma Realm Buddhist University, said, “It’s profoundly gratifying to partner with the Tzu Chi Foundation this time. This is a dream come true in some way. I’m really happy to represent Dharma Realm Buddhist University in collaborating with the Tzu Chi Foundation in doing this medical outreach in Ukiah.”
When recalling his connection with Tzu Chi, he said that “I myself have known Tzu Chi as an organization since I was a young boy in Taiwan. So I remember I was at the groundbreaking ceremony at the first Tzu Chi hospital back in the 80s. …One of my nieces right now is the president of the Berkeley Tzu Chi student group.”
He also told the story of how this time’s free clinic came to be: “I know Valerie Tseng quite well. …About six months ago, Valerie and I started talking, exchanging ideas about what Tzu Chi and DRBU could collaborate on and what opportunities and events we could put together, so medical outreach came to mind. … We are so happy that this is taking place this weekend, and I can see it’s bringing much-needed relief to the Ukiah local community.”
This is the first time we have collaborated in probably twenty years. It's really heartwarming to meet so many amazing volunteers of the Tzu Chi organization.
Warmth and Selfless Dedication
During the free clinic, many healthcare professionals selflessly gave up their weekend. Once they arrived at the venue early in the morning, they immersed themselves in a busy schedule of consultations. Doctors saw patients one after another, working so intensely they had no time to rest. The venue remained packed with people waiting to see the doctors, and the doctors stayed until the very last moment, serving each patient with warm smiles, abundant love, and patience.
Let Love Soar from the Heart
Despite diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, all volunteers embraced Tzu Chi’s spiritual principles with shared passion and dedication, selflessly serving the community through their professional expertise. This profound impact stems from Ukiah volunteers’ long-term cultivation in the community, which extends compassion and earns recognition and support.
The free clinic concluded successfully thanks to the collective efforts of the medical professionals and volunteers. Seventeen medical professionals and fifty volunteers participated in the free clinic, which benefited 71 patients with 198 service visits.
Seeing patients’ smiles and heartfelt gratitude deeply reaffirmed the preciousness and beauty of this world. Tzu Chi Northwest Region’s medical team and volunteers from Ukiah and Santa Rosa demonstrated a spirit of tireless dedication and selfless service. They safeguarded public health with compassion, spreading Tzu Chi’s great love and deeply moving those who came for treatment. Following in the footsteps of Master Cheng Yen, the volunteers gave up their weekend leisure to seize the opportunity to serve, sowing the seeds of Tzu Chi’s great love throughout the world.
