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China: Delivery Drivers Show 'Warmth' to 20s Cancer Patient After Special Request
๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท South Korea /Good News

China: Delivery Drivers Show 'Warmth' to 20s Cancer Patient After Special Request

From Dong-A Ilbo · (8m ago) Korean Positive tone

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A 24-year-old woman in China battling leukemia received an unusual request from a delivery driver: to sit with her for two hours.
  • This act of kindness sparked a chain reaction, with other delivery drivers visiting her, bringing gifts, and spending time with her.
  • The woman's spirits improved significantly, and she was discharged from the hospital, showing a positive response to the outpouring of support.

In a heartwarming display of humanity, a young woman in southeastern China facing a difficult battle with leukemia found solace and support through an extraordinary act of kindness initiated by a food delivery driver. The story, as reported by the South China Morning Post, highlights the profound impact of compassion in the face of adversity.

Li, a 24-year-old patient undergoing chemotherapy, found herself spending long hours alone in the hospital as her father worked away to cover her medical expenses and her younger brother juggled an internship. Seeking companionship, she placed an order through a food delivery platform with a unique request: "I don't need the food, please just sit with me for two hours." This simple yet poignant plea resonated deeply with the delivery driver who accepted the job.

I don't need the food, please just sit with me for two hours.

โ€” Li (24-year-old patient)Her unusual request made through a food delivery platform.

Moved by Li's situation, the driver shared her story within the local delivery driver community. What followed was an inspiring "relay of love," as numerous other drivers voluntarily visited Li after their shifts. They brought not only food and necessities but also thoughtful gifts like milk, snacks, dolls, and books, with some even presenting her with bouquets. The dedication of these individuals was remarkable, with some drivers traveling nearly three hours to spend time with her and others adjusting their work schedules to ensure they could visit.

There is no family by her side all the time. I felt sorry for her and wanted to visit her.

โ€” Delivery driverExplaining their motivation for visiting the patient.

This outpouring of support had a visible and positive effect on Li. Her spirits lifted, her appetite improved, and she expressed deep gratitude for the unexpected kindness shown to her. "I never imagined so many people would come to encourage me," she shared, touched by the altruism of the drivers. "They stayed by my side with selfless hearts, and I was deeply moved." Following this period of emotional and social support, Li's condition stabilized, and she was discharged from the hospital. She is currently awaiting test results for her next round of treatment, a journey made more bearable by the kindness of strangers.

This narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the human connection that can transcend ordinary interactions. The delivery drivers, often seen as anonymous figures in the hustle of urban life, demonstrated extraordinary empathy and generosity. Their actions not only brightened Li's difficult days but also underscored the capacity for kindness within the community, offering a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges. The story resonates particularly in a society often focused on rapid development, reminding us of the enduring value of simple human connection and mutual support.

I never imagined so many people would come to encourage me. They stayed by my side with selfless hearts, and I was deeply moved.

โ€” Li (24-year-old patient)Expressing her gratitude for the delivery drivers' support.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.