Cindy Yee Kong, author of The Eyes of the Lion, grown up in an abusive, alcoholic family while struggling with a disabling condition , she experienced first-hand what it is like to be abused and neglected. That is why she felt the strong urgency to do something about these abused, homeless cats that had been ignored and pushed aside.

She found Grace Animal Rehabilitation Center Inc. under the pressing need of rescuing and homing overpopulated stray cats in her community. Her love for animals began when she was comforted by a rescue kitten in her trying time.