Single mother sings to raise money for ill son

Singing on the stage of Yufu Music Hall at the Chengdu Normal College on May 24, Yu Dongqin was moved to tears by love and compassion shown by Wenjiang people.

It was a charity concert initiated by the Sichuan Philanthropy Association and supported by the Chengdu Normal College and the Wenjiang Handicapped Federation, aimed at raising money for Yu and her 6-year-old son diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

Yu came to Wenjiang district in the Chengdu city, capital of Sichuan province, three years ago upon learning that a specific hospital, Hospital 81, located here was capable of giving cerebral palsy children rehabilitation therapy.

As a single mother, Yu has been maintaining a hard life by delivering meals, doing cleaning and singing in the street in Wenjiang. Her savings, however, were still not enough to afford medical expenses for her son.

Yu’s difficulties were known by some Wenjiang residents. They took videos and photos of her singing in the street and posted online to raise public awareness. Moreover, they suggested to organize a concert for her to raise money. Receiving support from local government and charity institutions, the idea finally turned into reality on May 24.

More than 500 people attended the charity event and gave Yu donations. She finally got enough money for her son’s medical treatment. “Thank you Wenjiang! Thank you all for helping my son and lighting up my life!” Yu said emotionally during the concert.

By Shi Zihan and edited by Mevlut Katik