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Dying author organizes big event to bid farewell

Author Tsao Yu-fang, who is in the last stages of terminal ovarian cancer, hosts a farewell ceremony at the Sherwood Hotel in Taipei yesterday. Tsao said she wanted her friends to be able to say goodbye to her before she dies. PHOTO: CHIANG YING-YING, TAIPEI TIMES

Author Tsao Yu-fang (曹又方), whose ovarian cancer is in its last stages, hosted a unique ceremony to bid her friends farewell yesterday.

Tsao, a well-known local author with a writing career that spans almost 40 years, held the event at a Sherwood Hotel ballroom.

Unlike the solemn mood that often hangs over a farewell event, jokes and laughter filled the air as two masters of ceremonies, one dressed in bright red -- a color that symbolized happiness -- entertained the crowd. The stage was decorated with balloons and flowers.

Piano music could be heard in the background, played by well-known pianist Eric Chen (陳冠宇), as a huge cake waited to be served to the crowd full of celebrities and renowned writers.

Tsao said that "this event is designed to substitute for the traditional funeral that people usually hold after someone passes away."

"I don't like traditional funerals where friends wait until an individual passes away to pay tribute to him or her at a funeral," said Tsao.

"I want to hear what my friends have to say about me before I die."

"Most important of all," Tsao said, "I want a happy ceremony where my friends can bid their adieus instead of at the traditional funeral which is always somber."

Despite Tsao's insistence that "no one should shed a tear at my farewell ceremony," many of her friends, who were invited on-stage to share their thoughts on Tsao, could not hide their tears.

Tsao has tried to maintain a positive attitude since being diagnosed with ovarian cancer three years ago.

"Death is a natural part of a person's life. I just want to make sure that I live happy and die happy," Tsao said.

In June, Tsao decided to stop her radiation therapy.

She said that the chemotherapy she has received over the years had taken a great toll on her mind and spirit.

She said not receiving any more treatment would allow her to at least maintain a "clear mind and consciousness" to accomplish everything she needs to do.

She said one of her goals was to publish a special collection of her writings.

The 24-volume collection was presented at yesterday's event.
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