Dr. Henry Yick Tung Wong’s life story is one of resilience and determination. Hailing from Hoyping, Guandong, China, he embarked on a solo journey to Canada at the tender age of 13, armed with limited English proficiency and only $5 in his pockets. Upon arrival, he joined his grandfather in toiling at a Montreal hand laundry. Despite encountering arduous circumstances and not attaining a high school diploma, he unwaveringly pursued his educational aspirations in pursuit of a brighter future.
The dean of Sir George University of Montreal (now Concordia University) allowed Henry to enroll in the college on the condition that he pass its entrance exam, which he barely did. From that moment onward, driven by diligence and determination, Henry consistently achieved top marks. His academic journey led him to the University of Toronto, where he excelled in Engineering Physics with an Aerospace option, earning recognition for outstanding academic achievement. He furthered his studies at Princeton University, delving into hypersonic aerodynamics before ultimately answering the call of medicine.
After completing his medical degree at McMaster University Medical School, Dr. Wong served an internship and residency in radiation medicine at Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center. In 1977, he was recruited to Stockton to become a full-time Radiation Oncologist. Eventually, he was named Chief of Radiation Oncology at St. Joseph’s Medical Center and the Medical Director at its Sister Mary Pia Regional Cancer Center.
Sylvia Sin Shing Wong’s story is equally inspiring. Raised by her marginally educated mother in Hong Kong, Sylvia’s academic excellence earned her acceptance to McMaster University in Canada, where she pursued a BA in Psychology and Sociology. Despite the challenges of living apart from her husband during his medical training, Sylvia remained steadfast in her own educational pursuits, obtaining a Master’s Degree of Library Science from the State University of New York.
After the couple moved from Canada to California, Sylvia’s career trajectory took her from school librarian to successful real estate broker. She quickly rose to prominence as the top listing and selling agent in northern California for Coldwell Banker.
Her professional achievements paralleled her husband’s, and together, they embarked on a journey of philanthropy that left an indelible mark on their community.
Their philanthropic endeavors have extended far and wide, with significant donations to institutions such as St. Joseph’s Medical Center and Delta College in Stockton, McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, and Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. Their contributions have supported medical research, educational scholarships, and community initiatives, demonstrating their commitment to giving back and making a positive impact on the world.
The remarkable journey of Dr. Henry and Sylvia Wong is a story of hope and inspiration, reminding us all of the transformative power of perseverance, compassion, and generosity. Their legacy will continue to inspire future generations to strive for excellence and to make a difference in the lives of others.
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