Spirit of Hong Kong Awards: Blind musician with rare birth disease plays her heart out
Por Jimmy Chow — South China Morning Post – News feed
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Born with Hirschsprung’s disease, Cassie Li has had a lifetime of health issues. But the 17-year-old continues to learn, perform and inspire others
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Jimmy Chow Published: 10:15am, 10 Oct 2026
A year after a seven-hour surgery in Hong Kong in 2025, Cassie Li Pui-ying was on stage at Queen Elizabeth Stadium, playing the drums before an audience of more than 2,500 people. She heard the applause but could not see who it came from.
That March night was organised by Live Theatre, which her mother Marine Mak also helps run. Li sang, spoke and played the drums. The group gives visually impaired students a stage to perform on.
Despite having been through several serious health scares, what comes across is Li’s faith, optimism and cheer. She moves people.
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