Blind 17-Year-Old With Hirschsprung’s Disease Plays Drums in Hong Kong

Spirit of Hong Kong Awards: Blind musician with rare birth disease plays her heart out

A year after a seven-hour surgery in Hong Kong in 2025, 17-year-old Cassie Li Pui-ying took the stage at Queen Elizabeth Stadium and played the drums before an audience of more than 2,500 people.

A performance shaped by resilience

Li could hear 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 during the event. Live Theatre gives visually impaired students a stage to perform on, making the organisation’s role central to the evening.

Born with Hirschsprung’s disease, Li has had a lifetime of health issues. She has also been through several serious health scares. Yet the 17-year-old continues to learn, perform and inspire others.

Despite those health challenges, what comes across in Li is her faith, optimism and cheer. Her performance moved people, while also showing how Live Theatre creates opportunities for visually impaired students to perform before an audience.

Source: South China Morning Post