Paralyzed in his lower legs and hands, Takeshi Kukizaki, 68, grows azaleas and runs an azalea garden in Kagoshima City, southwest Japan. 19 years ago, while working at a company, he was suddenly struck by a serious neurological disorder. Suffering from severe aftereffects, he even contemplated suicide. It was azaleas, flowers he had long cherished, that restored his will to live. After leaving the hospital, Takeshi opened his garden and now uses his flowers to give hope and courage to others.
