AdminIn a heartwarming narrative that radiates strength and inspiration, Cordelia Lee, affectionately known as Cordi Li, stands out as an extraordinary presence amidst life’s challenges. This Malaysian mother and singer-songwriter, who will celebrate her 51st birthday this September, has intricately woven her personal journey of confronting Alagille Syndrome alongside her son, Patrick, into a resilient tapestry of unwavering hope.
Cordi Li’s poignant song, “Never Give Up,” born during the initial struggles of Patrick’s life, has transformed into a potent anthem of empowerment for families navigating adversity. The resonating impact of this song extends beyond their community, finding a home in hospitals and gatherings, where its melody and message unite individuals in their quest to confront life’s challenges with unyielding optimism and resolute determination.
Cordi Li’s journey with her son Patrick’s battle against Alagille Syndrome, a challenging genetic condition involving liver deterioration and pulmonary stenosis, showcases the strength of determination and resilience in adversity. Their path was not devoid of obstacles – from unexpected bleeding episodes in Patrick’s stools to his loss of appetite, the journey was marked by constant challenges. The relentless itching resulting from elevated bilirubin levels disrupted their sleep routines, leaving both mother and son physically drained. In recalling these trying moments, Cordi Li shared her experience, “He will wake up crying and fussing, scratching himself. I would pick him up and rock him to sleep by singing especially.”
Inspirational journey through adversity
As she navigated these emotional and physical trials, Cordi Li expressed, “I was in a state of emotional turmoil and turbulence. I found it hard to accept the uncertain fate of my baby. My husband and myself were mentally and emotionally overwhelmed then.” Amidst these challenges, Cordi Li’s husband provided unwavering support, involving himself in Patrick’s health matters, conducting research, and engaging in discussions with medical professionals. He also took on caregiving responsibilities to offer Cordi Li the rest she required. Cordi Li acknowledged her husband’s vital role, revealing, “Both myself and Patrick’s strength have been greatly supported by my husband. He is also the liver donor for Patrick as well.”
Following a critical liver transplant when Patrick was just 1 year and 9 months old, his health has improved significantly, enabling him to lead a more active life. However, the specter of his heart condition still lingers and requires ongoing monitoring. Cordi Li’s resolve to not succumb to despair during the most challenging times was fortified by the realization that inaction wasn’t an option. “I told myself, enough is enough with allowing my tears and fears to overwhelm me until I could only see one straight road of suffering and maybe even possible young death,” she explained. “I cannot just do nothing. I must do something. To give my baby self-belief, strength, a fighting spirit to face his medical challenges.”
Anthem of resilience: “Never Give Up”
Amidst the emotional turmoil and uncertainty, Cordi Li found solace in the power of words, music, and songs. Determined not to succumb to despair, she shared, “One day I decided to use the power of words, music and songs to encourage, support and empower my baby.” This determination led to the creation of “Never Give Up,” a song originally conceived as a few lines to uplift her son in the face of medical challenges and complications. Under the guidance of her music director and mentor, Jingles Derek Jhingoree, Cordi Li expanded “Never Give Up” and another song titled “I Love Life” from their initial fragments into full-fledged anthems of hope and resilience.
Drawing from her personal experiences with Patrick, Cordi Li breathed life into these songs, infusing them with her unwavering love and determination. Cordi Li’s journey was riddled with doubts and uncertainties, but she recognized that without taking that courageous step forward, the outcome would forever remain unknown. “Frankly speaking, I had so many doubts, yet if I do not attempt… I will never know whether it was possible to empower a baby,” she said. She resolved to use her heart as her guide, pushing forward in the face of uncertainty and embracing whatever consequences lay ahead.
When Cordi Li sings “Never Give Up” to Patrick, she’s not just singing to him; she’s singing to herself as well. The song has become an anthem of empowerment, a testament to the resilience, perseverance, and fighting spirit that both Cordi Li and Patrick have embodied throughout their journey. Cordi Li passionately expressed, “It becomes like a mother-son anthem to Empowerment in Perseverance, Resilience, develop a Fighting Spirit and Strength.”
Unconventional musical journey
Cordi Li’s artistic journey defies norms, rooted not in formal musical training but in diverse creative pursuits. “My actual background is not a musician,” Cordi Li candidly shares. “I am a meditation teacher in breath and sound since 2010, a motivational speaker, a writer for the chapbook series of The Spunky, The Rebel, and a Mama, and even a sock dolls teacher.” This unique blend of roles showcases her multidimensional creative spirit, proving that artistry can take myriad forms beyond the confines of traditional labels. These unconventional roles underscore her multidimensional creative spirit, challenging conventional notions of artistic identity.
Her childhood exposure to organ lessons cultivated an early connection with music, but financial limitations during a recession forced her to set aside her musical aspirations at the age of 15. However, her passion for creative expression persisted.In her mid-thirties, Cordi Li sought solace in writing workshops, participating in a scriptwriting course offered by the Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), which reignited her creative spark. It was a songwriting workshop led by Brian John Yim in 2008 that became the catalyst for Cordi Li’s transformation into a songwriter. Reflecting on her journey, Cordi Li shares, “The experiences made me interested to explore songwriting further.” Her transition from a music listener to a songwriter was driven by an innate desire to inspire others through her compositions.
Translating emotions into melodies
Cordi Li’s creative journey takes a unique route, fusing her love for poetry and the transformative power of meditation. She explains, “As an observer and participant of Life, I would usually be moved to pen down my thoughts in a poetic manner. It is one of my hobbies. I have been writing poetry since my 20s. I was inspired by Dead Poets Society.” Her creative process involves more than just writing lyrics; it’s a profound journey of self-discovery and emotional release.
Meditation plays a pivotal role in Cordi Li’s creative process. Through meditation, she finds the solace and focus needed to turn her emotions into melodies. “I discovered that when I become de-stress by meditation, I become calmer in my mind and heart. The barriers to my creative side shall disappear. The words easily come forward whether in song lyrics and sometimes the melody may come together as well,” Cordi Li shares. This integration of mindfulness and creativity underscores the therapeutic aspects of her music. One of the fruits of this contemplative process is the track “With You and Me,” which materialized during a serene meditation session in 2016.
“I Love Life” EP: A heartfelt collection
In her pursuit of creative expression and emotional resonance, Cordi Li has crafted a heartfelt collection of songs that not only touch the soul but also ignite a sense of empowerment. Cordi Li’s musical journey has been fueled by a deep connection with mothers she encountered during her community events, where she sang the inspiring chorus of “Never Give Up.” Reflecting on her motivations, she says, “I understood their struggles and challenges… I was encouraged to think further than to commit my songs to a few platforms. To help more people by doing something I have never considered before – to publish songs professionally and to allow them wider access by the public.” This commitment led to the birth of her impactful EP.
Every song in the EP, from the deeply moving “Never Give Up” to the soul-stirring “I Love Life” and “With You and Me,” carries a piece of her heart and resonates with those seeking strength in the midst of adversity. The EP also features the powerful track “We Are The Queens,” inspired by a friend’s experience in Miss Plus World Malaysia, aiming to empower women to lead lives marked by grace. A unique addition to the collection, “Vocal Zone,” was unexpectedly born from the serene sound of raindrops during a breakfast, showcasing the spontaneity and authenticity of Cordi Li’s creative process. Released on August 2nd, Cordi Li‘s conviction in the transformative power of her music is unwavering, rooted in the impactful feedback she’s received. She asserts, “I have faith and believe it will make a difference to many.”
Inspiring through music
Since 2018, Cordi Li’s empowering song “Never Give Up” has resonated beyond its origins, becoming a universal anthem of empowerment. The song has been performed at various community gatherings, motivational speeches, and events for mothers of children in hospitals, reaching individuals at the Universiti Malaya Medical Center, Ronald McDonald House Charities at Hospital Tunku Azizah, and Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM. This heartfelt composition has transcended its initial purpose, touching the lives of many facing intricate life challenges.
The challenges Cordi Li faced during her personal transformative journey have deeply altered her outlook, nurturing the conviction that positivity and support can harmoniously coexist alongside difficulties. In her own words, “there is still blessings, beauty, love, kindness despite hardships, despair, hopelessness, uncertainties.” Cordi Li’s encounters with other inspiring mothers navigating similar paths have fueled her commitment to creating music that speaks to shared experiences. By using her music as a conduit, Cordi Li endeavors to uplift those grappling with adversity, offering them solace, motivation, and the reminder that they are not alone. As she aptly puts it, “Never be afraid to seek help especially when you need it.”
Cordi Li’s dedication to positivity is evident in her music and actions. Collaborating with Madhya’s Gift, led by Dato Dr Hartini Zainuddin, she allocates a portion of her “I Love Life” EP’s sales revenue to aid critical medical funding, offering hope and a second chance to those in need.
Cordi Li’s journey of motherhood, chronicled through her songs, has become a beacon of strength for those facing their own trials. As Patrick celebrates his sixth birthday this year, their story continues to resonate, reminding us all that the spirit of “Never Give Up” is not just a song but a way of life.
Cordi Li’s latest EP titled “I Love Life” along her uplifting anthem “Never Give Up,” can now be accessed on the following platforms:
Youtube Music:
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mcx2ELWi4T3_VrKIt15pGXLMW_WnWlvto
Apple Music:
http://itunes.apple.com/album/id/1694153245
Spotify:
C. Khor
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