I love my father and he is great. My father told me a month after his birth, he lost his hands in a fire accident and his face was extensively burned. When I was a little child, my mother left us. My father raised me by performing Chinese opera in a tea house. My father’s hands cannot do housework, so I have to stay with my aunt for the most of time. 

Father did not know why my mother left us. I knew nothing about my mother. Sometimes, people say I am in a single-parent family. I ask about my mother, and my father told me that everyone has their own choice and she hoped that I would study hard and she would come back for me. 

I seldom have the opportunity to speak to my father during the day. I know he always comes back home after mid-night, for he has to earn money for the family. Seeing his sleeping face in the morning, I can not help saying, “thank you, dad”! It’s my father who gave me my life. I am thankful for the space and opportunity I have in my quiet family. I will study hard and will not let you down. I will earn enough money when I grow up so that you do not have to perform at the tea house.  

Original article written by Yi Zhao, translated by Maggie Li, edited by Yanyan Zhang

The Soul of Life Disabled Persons Artistic Performance Troupe was established to display the artistic talents of individuals with disabilities. The troupe's aim is to spread appreciation for the hard work and talents of the disabled and give them attention and affirmation. 

On March 31st, the annual traditional sports event was held in Zhengzhou—the 7th Zhengkai International Marathon. There was something different on the field while abled people were racing with each other. The disabled players from Soul of Life—Disabled Persons Artistic Performance Troupe, Henan Province, were showcasing their courage and confidence on their wheelchairs. They were racing for the freedom on the marathon court.

At 8:20, when the starting gun went off, 40 disabled athletes raced to the goal on their wheelchairs. The audiences burst out encouragement to them by shouting “Jia You”! 

During the race, the wheelchair team sped forward to the finishing line, which drew the attention of many people along the road. The wheelchair marathon was the highlight of the race, thanks to the support and love from the Zhengzhou citizens. 

Original article written by Ruifang Zhang, translated by Maggie Li, edited by Yanyan Zhang

The Disabled Persons Artistic Performance Troupe was established to display the artistic talents of individuals with disabilities. The troupe's aim is to spread appreciation for the hard work and talents of the disabled and give them attention and affirmation. 

On January 30, 2013, Zhang Jun prepared some gifts for the new year. Carrying the gifts into the car, we sent them to the families of our friends with disabilities. When visiting each of the families, Zhang Jun expressed his concern for their needs and difficulties. 

Compared to the gifts we had distributed in previous years, we prepared more daily necessities and included a box of bean pasty and a box of dried vegetable. We also specially included a set of DVDs on the development of local traditional cultures which provided a spiritual course for our disabled friends. 

We then visited Song Xiling’s family. Song Xiling's leg was amputated because of neurofibroma, and the other leg was swelling seriously due to the tumor. She and her daughter had to make a living through subsidies from the government. Zhang Jun asked about the daughter, Xiao Xiao; and seeing the happy child, he could not help but smile. Thanks to Zhang Jun’s efforts, the girl became an optimistic girl from a child who used to speak just a few words. They talked a lot about future and filial duty, which encouraged Xiao Xiao to study harder. She hoped to give her mother a better life and share her love to other people in need.

Before leaving, Zhang Jun gave the tuition fees to Xiao Xiao. He never seeks fame or return for his philanthropic acts. When we express our gratitude to him, he always says, “That’s what I should do.” His deeds have moved a lot of friends, and he inisists on helping more people. Zhang Jun’s philanthropic acts indeed provide huge encouragments to people with disabilities. Thank you!

Original article written by Ruifang Zhang, translated by Maggie Li, edited by Yanyan Zhang