Global“Hello everyone, I’m Teng-Hsun Hsieh, 65 years old, and the owner of Long Lai Fa Lottery Shop.“
On a sunny interview day, Mr. Hsieh sat at his storefront, greeting the camera with a bright, grounded smile. This shop isn’t just work to him—it marks the beginning of his second life. “Life really starts at 60,“ he said. “Being able to work again makes me feel steady and fulfilled. It‘s a blessing.“
Mr. Hsieh sitting in front of Long Lai Fa Lottery Store, Sanchong Dist., New Taipei City
From Crawling on the Ground to Standing on His Own Feet
Born in rural Taiwan, Mr. Hsieh contracted polio as a child and could only crawl on the ground. “Fate can’t be chosen,” he reflects, “but it can be changed.”
At 25, he moved to Taipei, Taiwan’s capital, determined to forge his own path. He took a job at a motor shop, where he learned about free surgical treatment available at Taipei Veterans General Hospital. What followed was 2.5 years of intensive rehabilitation. During this time, he progressed from using a wheelchair to walking with a walker, until he was finally able to walk out of the hospital on his own.
“That day, I felt like I had won life“, he recalled.
That victory was just the beginning. Over the following decades, he underwent more than 20 surgeries, including leg reconstruction after a car accident. At one point, he was in so much pain he couldn‘t even wear shoes, but he never stopped rehabilitating. “Every pain pushed my life forward, little by little.“
Life Isn’t Scary When You Restart — It is Scary when it Never Starts
After learning how to walk, he started his own business, from polishing dental molds to operating a small factory, teaching himself the principles of business management along the way.
His goal was bigger than earning money — he wanted to prove that people with disabilities can still change their destinies. For years, he served as president of the Sanchong Disabled Welfare Association, visiting communities to help members access resources and advocate for accessibility.
“People may define you as disabled,” he said, “but you need to show them you can also do good.”
At the peak of his success, he owned seven lottery shops. However, his life suddenly collapsed: his wife became critically ill, and shortly after, his factory was destroyed by fire.
“With debt and pressure piling up, there was a moment I wanted to give up,“ he admitted.
Despite losing everything, he was determined to start over. He mounted lottery tickets onto his power wheelchair and began selling them solo at night markets. Some nights he earned only a few dollars, but he never once complained about the struggle.
“At least it’s earned with my own hands, and it gives me peace.”
Life on His Power Wheelchair
“I kept my first KARMA power wheelchair (KP-40) because it got me through the hardest times” he said. When he finally upgraded to his Saber power wheelchair, he even decorated the chair himself with LED strips and accessories, to make his special lottery stand more attractive.
“This is the wheelchair I’m most proud of. I doubt anyone in Taiwan has a fancier wheelchair than I do!” To him, power wheelchair is not only just for transportation, but also an extension of his life. As a self-employed individual, he also dedicated time to helping many disabled friends to find government supports in occupational field.
“If you understand how to use the system,” he explains, “you save effort—and you help more people.”
Three years ago, after saving enough from night market sales, he finally re-opened his own lottery shop. Today, his son helps him run the business, loyal customers support him, and most importantly,
“I finally have a place to rest, a place that feels like home.”
Mr. Hsieh with his son in his lottory store.
When asked about the most memorable moment in his power wheelchair lottery shop, he said he will never forget that one time when a customer scratched a million Taiwanese dollar prize (about USD 32,000) right outside Beigang Mazu Temple. For that moment,” he smiled, “I really felt I could bring luck to others.”
A Heartfelt Message to People With Disabilities
“You don’t need special skills. Our government supports people with disabilities to start public lottery business. Anyone can start selling at night markets or busy areas. Don’t be afraid and don’t look down on yourself. Slowly, you’ll find your life, your joy, and your worth.”
Mr. Hsieh often encourages others with disabilities to step out. “Work is not just income, it’s passion and achievement. I started with two scratch-off lottery books; now I have a shop, income, and dignity.” He tells them: “Work three days a week, and you’ll have enough to live, and still have time to go out with friends.”
For him, self-reliance is a lifelong belief.
At 65, His Life Has Only Just Begun
“Without trying, you never know. You must fight. Be yourself, support yourself, and you can live a brilliant life.”
From crawling on the ground to maneuvering a wheelchair through crowded night markets, and finally, running his own bustling lottery shop — Mr. Hsieh’s life has been a relentless forward trajectory.
His journey reminds us — it is never too late. “Even at 65, you can still pivot your life.” Hsieh said, “You can find new joy, discover a new purpose, and build the life you’ve always wanted.” His story is defined by courage; he simply refused to fall.
“Start from zero. Build the brilliant life that is yours to claim.”
📍 About Mr. Hsieh
- Name: Teng-Hsun Hsieh 謝登訓
- Role: Owner of Long Lai Fa lottery store
- Wheels: Saber power wheelchair
- Store Location: New Taipei City
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