Finding Warmth in the Winter: A Visit to Kangkang’s Home

Finding Warmth in the Winter: A Visit to Kangkang’s Home

On December 18, 2024, the staff of the Gansu Project of the “Children Leukemia Care”, along with two nurses from the 940th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force and two volunteers, visited a child receiving assistance through the project in Linxia County.  

Amid biting winds and snow-covered ground, the group embarked on a journey filled with warmth and anticipation to visit the home of Kangkang (pseudonym) in Linxia County. Early that morning, volunteers Mrs. Zhang and Mrs. Song from the Benma Motorcade had prepared gifts for Kangkang, including gloves, sweaters, and bedding to keep him warm. The project team, aware that Kangkang's birthday was on the 17th, consulted his attending doctor and learned that his condition was stable. In celebration, they prepared a birthday cake to bring him a small but heartfelt blessing.  

The journey from Lanzhou to Linxia County was long and bumpy, but the warmth in everyone’s hearts made the distance seem shorter. Upon arriving in Hanjie Town, Kangkang’s grandfather was already waiting on his motorcycle to guide the group to their home. Kangkang ran out to greet them, his face beaming with uncontainable joy. He embraced everyone tightly, as if trying to convey his overflowing gratitude through the warmth of his hug.  

Kangkang recognized each team member immediately, and his bright smile dispelled all feelings of fatigue. Inside the modest home, Kangkang's family warmly welcomed the visitors, serving hot tea and inviting them to sit on the kang (a heated brick bed). Despite their simple lifestyle, the family’s thoughtfulness left a deep impression on us. To ensure the visitors’ comfort, they even spread blankets over wooden chairs.  

Kangkang eagerly held their hands, urging, “Aunties, please sit on the kang!” The room was filled with an atmosphere of warmth and care. The team brought out the birthday cake, placed a party hat on Kangkang, and shared their blessings. Kangkang made a simple yet loving wish: “I hope my sister get better and better!”  

Later, the team learned that Kangkang's eldest sister, who was 15 years old, had dropped out of school early to take care of him and help with household chores after he fell ill. Although she had been an excellent student, the family could only afford to pay the school fees for his second sister due to financial constraints. Kangkang’s grandfather shared that, if the family’s economic situation improved, they would ensure his eldest sister could continue her studies. However, the high costs of accommodation and living expenses for high school were currently unaffordable.  

The revelation filled the team with both admiration and heartache. Every decision the family made carried deep love and difficult sacrifices.  

During the conversation, Kangkang’s grandmother and mother busied themselves preparing a meal, showcasing their hospitality. The table was laden with hearty homemade dishes, including lamb chops, chicken, and steamed buns, reflecting the family’s sincerity and affection. The team was deeply moved by these familiar flavors of home. Despite the visitors’ repeated requests for them to join the meal, the family continued to serve with warm smiles, giving the “best” they had.  

Kangkang’s grandfather revealed that his father had been working away from home for over a year to provide financial support, sending money back every month. Due to the family’s challenging financial situation, his father had not been able to return home. The responsibility of caring for Kangkang largely fell on the rest of the family, adding to their hardships.  

As the team prepared to leave, Kangkang’s grandfather insisted on seeing them off and even offered a free-range chicken to each person as a gift. Knowing that a single chicken costs over 100 yuan and is a valuable resource in rural areas, the team politely declined the generous gesture. They understood the significance of this gift for the family and ultimately left the chickens behind. However, these gifts carried profound emotional weight, representing the family’s heartfelt gratitude.  

Before parting, Kangkang’s mother handed the team several pairs of hand-embroidered insoles she had painstakingly crafted during Kangkang’s hospital stays. These insoles embodied her love and hope for his recovery. Holding her hands, the team gratefully accepted this gesture, promising to cherish the gift.  

The visit ended with the family reluctantly bidding farewell, their eyes filled with warmth and gratitude. As the team left, the biting cold remained, but their hearts were filled with a deep sense of warmth and inspiration.  

In the six months since Kangkang joined the Children Leukemia Care, the program has provided significant financial support to his family, including 1,147.5 yuan for charitable medical insurance, 100,000 yuan in reimbursement for Blinatumomab, and 800 yuan for third-party laboratory testing fees. These funds have played a vital role in alleviating the family’s financial burden and supporting Kangkang’s treatment.  

The Children Leukemia Care remains committed to its mission, joining forces with more partners to provide holistic and continuous assistance to families of children with leukemia. By improving treatment conditions and restoring hope, the program aims to help these families move toward a brighter future. Every act of support and compassion is a testament to the value of life and the enduring power of love and hope to illuminate countless homes.