BEIJING: A lonely cancer patient in southeastern China sparked a viral relay of love after ordering “companionship” through a food delivery platform.
Little Li, a 24-year-old woman from Foshan, Guangdong province, is battling a rare blood cancer, according to Southern Daily.
After undergoing four rounds of chemotherapy, her condition is stable, though she continues to receive care at the hospital.
With her father working away to fund her treatment and her younger brother juggling an internship, Li often faces treatment alone.
On April 15, she hired a rider for companionship through a food delivery app, placing the unusual order: “Sit by my bedside for two hours” without needing any delivery.
The first rider who fulfilled the unusual request shared Li’s story within the local rider group, and soon, a wave of kindness spread.
Delivery drivers began visiting Li after their shifts, bringing her milk, snacks, stuffed toys and books. Some even finished work early to spend extra time chatting with her.
One rider surnamed Chen told the mainland media: “Li does not have any family with her all the time. I felt sympathy and empathy, so I wanted to visit her.”
Another rider, from Yunnan province in southwestern China, sent Li a bouquet of flowers through an online florist.
Huang, a rider from Guangzhou in southern China, even travelled nearly three hours to visit Li.
At the hospital, he said, many riders stood quietly, careful not to disturb her while she slept.
“I once had kind customers who offered me water and greetings. Now, I want to help others in return,” Huang added.
When Li was first admitted to hospital, she was introverted. However, as the visitors continued to come, her mood lifted and she began eating more.
“I never imagined so many people would come to encourage me. They accompanied me selflessly, and I was deeply touched,” said Li.
As her story spread online, the kindness relay grew when a police officer made a special visit to share thrilling work stories with her.
A cancer survivor in her 60s, surnamed Wang, also brought flowers and shared her experience of strength.
“Look at how well I am doing. You should stay strong and keep going,” Wang told her.
Li’s condition stabilised, and she was discharged from the hospital on April 20. She is now waiting for matching results with her younger brother for the next step in her treatment.
One online observer of her story said: “The riders are the busiest people in this city, yet they are willing to pause their work for a sick woman.”
While another wrote: “These riders are like her temporary family. Love from society can heal all wounds. I hope Li recovers soon.” - South China Morning Post
