Unwavering Love: A Teen with Cerebral Palsy Grows in Kindness

On a winter day in 2000, in a small village in Hebei Province, a 2-year-old disabled boy was left in a cardboard box beneath a tractor. Had he not been discovered, the outcome would have been unthinkable. Fortunately, his faint cries were heard by a passerby — Mom Zhai. Without hesitation, she carefully yet resolutely picked him up, held him close, and took him home. Her first thought was clear: This child must survive!The Zhai family was a low-income household in the village, struggling to make ends meet. Mom Zhai herself suffers from Raynaud’s syndrome, scraping by on meager subsidies. Despite her heavy burdens, she chose to raise Xiao Ci. Medical examinations revealed that Xiao Ci had cerebral palsy, characterized by high muscle tension. His limbs could not stretch freely, and he lacked speech ability, yet his eyes shone with intelligence and longing.

 

 

Caring for a child with cerebral palsy demands extraordinary physical and emotional strength. Beyond daily expenses, the costs for medical visits and medication piled up. Learning through a local charity organization about the United Foundation for China’s Health (UFCH), which could help them access medical care, Mom Zhai reached out immediately. And so, for over twenty years, she persevered, never once considering giving up on Xiao Ci.

 

 

In recent years, Xiao Ci received professional treatment that partially alleviated his muscle tension. But at the end of June this year, Xiao Ci suddenly experienced difficulty breathing. Mom Zhai promptly took him to the local hospital for re-examination, which revealed masses in Xiao Ci’s nasal cavity and sinuses, severely obstructing his airway. Due to Xiao Ci’s concurrent cerebral palsy, the local hospital advised immediate transfer to a major hospital for surgical treatment. Mom Zhai reached out to the UFCH again, and with their swift support—alongside her family’s help— she brought Xiao Ci to Beijing.Doctors confirmed the complex location of the masses, necessitating urgent surgery. Pre-operative checks, surgical preparation, post-operative care… each step presented challenges, but Xiao Ci’s composure moved everyone deeply. Though unable to control his body’s spasms, he displayed remarkable willpower, restraining his movements as much as possible to cooperate with doctors during every examination and treatment. The doctors were deeply impressed, praising Xiao Ci’s understanding and perseverance.

 

 

Xiao Ci’s surgery was a complete success. His first expression upon opening his eyes was, ‘I can breathe!’, his face breaking into a long-missed smile. He squeezed his mother’s hand tightly and expressed sincere gratitude to every medical staff member present. Tears welling in her eyes, Mom Zhai shared the good news with her family, her voice trembling with emotion. Just as importantly, UFCH and its partners assured Mom Zhai they would remain a steady presence in Xiao Ci’s recovery, helping ensure his progress continued.

 

Xiao Ci’s story is a testament to love’s transformative power.. From Mom Zhai’s selfless adoption to the helping hands extended by charitable organizations, each act of kindness became a beacon, illuminating his path. This love not only granted him physical recovery but also brought hope for life to him and his family. It’s a reminder of compassion’s strength—how it ensures every life is treated gently, allowing hope to flourish even in the harshest soil.

 

 

Healing Brings Hope