Caring for others and helping others are the traditional virtues of the Chinese people. While many families in Shenzhen are quite well off, there are some who are in particular need of help, both financially and spiritually.

Cancer strikes family

Lai Miaogui, who lives in Guiyuan Road, Luohu District, lost his parents and elder brother one after another, to cancer. Lai himself was diagnosed with intestinal cancer at the end of 2001.

Lai’s wife has been unemployed for many years. Their twin children are now fifth-grade students in a primary school. Lai was the support of the whole family. However, his parents’ and brother’s illness laid a heavy burden on the family. Now that Lai is suffering from cancer, the family has fallen into dire straits.

With 500 yuan (US$60) in living expenses paid by his work unit, and the minimum life insurance, the family is in extreme hardship. Lai has had to give his daughter to his elder sister. Last year he underwent an operation to have his rectum removed, an expensive procedure. He still has to find the money to cover his medical expenses and chemotherapy fee, which is more than 4,000 yuan a month.

Disabled but keep on learning

Li Zongren, 8, is a first-year grader at Gongle Primary School in Bao’an District. Two years ago, Li lost his legs in a car accident in his hometown.

Li’s parents, both of whom work in Bao’an, brought him to Shenzhen where they bought him a pair of artificial limbs. They sent him to school and tried their best to give him a happy childhood.

However, Li was often in pain. Medical examinations revealed that the growth of surrounding skin and muscle was not keeping up with the bone growth. It is now impossible for him to wear the original artificial limbs.

Li has to have surgery on his legs many times until the bones stop growing. The operation is painful but the 8-year-old is particularly brave, cooperating well with doctors.

Although disabled, Li is a quick learner. He is in the top three in his class. Confident and clever, Li often comforts his parents.

“Although I have no legs, I have healthy arms and hands. I am lucky compared to other disabled children.”

The family now lives on the father’s salary of 1,000 yuan a month. Li’s operations have already used up all their savings and run them into debt.

Li’s parents are at a loss to know where the money for the coming operations and artificial limbs will come from.

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