Four years after her ALS diagnosis in 2021, Ming Dayan and her husband Peng Chao continue to redefine courage in the face of a relentless neurodegenerative disease. Their story, set against the backdrop of modern China's evolving healthcare landscape, offers a poignant glimpse into the human capacity for resilience.
A Routine Upended
Ming's life changed when sporadic ALS – a condition affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord – began weakening her muscles. The former communications professional now relies on Peng's round-the-clock care, including 15-minute interval checks to ensure her comfort. "We've turned monitoring into our love language," Peng told KhabarAsia.com during a video interview from their Beijing home.
Science as Legacy
The couple has pledged to donate Ming's medical data and biological samples to ALS research institutions. "If we can't fly, let our story give wings to future treatments," Ming stated through her eye-tracking communication device. Their decision comes as China intensifies neurological disease research, with several clinical trials underway in 2025.
Redefining Normalcy
Despite challenges, the couple maintains creative outlets – Peng composes poetry based on Ming's eye movements, while they jointly curate an online support group serving over 2,000 Chinese ALS families. Medical experts note such patient-led initiatives are reshaping China's approach to chronic disease management.
