A Heartbreaking Story of a Father’s Love and Sacrifice for His Terminally Ill Daughter
In a heartbreaking turn of events, 24-year-old Zhang Liyong, from Jiuzu Yan village in Sichuan Province, China, found himself having to dig the grave for his 2-year-old daughter, Zhang Lei, due to her terminal illness.
Zhang Lei was diagnosed with congenital anemia at just two months old, and her condition has rapidly worsened. Despite her family’s tireless efforts to secure treatment, their financial situation has made it nearly impossible to afford the medical costs required to keep her alive.
To date, the Liyong family has spent over 140,000 yuan (approximately 465 million VND) on hospital bills and treatments, including regular blood transfusions to help little Zhang Lei survive. However, with a modest monthly income of only 2,500 yuan (roughly 8.3 million VND), the family is unable to continue her treatments, and her health continues to decline.
Zhang Liyong, in his distress, explained that the act of digging his daughter’s grave was not just a tragic necessity but also a way to help her gradually adjust to the idea of what may come. He wanted to ensure that if the worst happens, she wouldn’t be overwhelmed by the cold, underground world.
Throughout this difficult journey, Zhang Lei’s fragile health has kept her isolated from other children, as she often suffers from additional illnesses due to her weakened immune system. Despite her isolation, her father does his best to keep her engaged, taking her out to play or fish, and cherishing the moments they have together. At home, Lei finds comfort in the company of her puppy, the ducks, and sometimes playing alone in the yard.
This emotional and difficult situation highlights the profound love of a father who is doing everything he can for his daughter, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.
