Chinese mother who refused to give up disabled son nurtures him all the way to Harvard
Zou Hongyan ignored doctors and even her husband to devote her life to helping her son overcome adversity and make the most of his abilities
A man who was born disabled in central China has defied expectations by being admitted to the elite Harvard University in the United States.
Ding Ding, aged 29, attributed his success in his academic studies as well as overcoming many of his physical handicaps to his mother’s persistence and endless devotion, the news website Xinhuanet.com reports.
Ding nearly suffocated during a birth complication in 1988, leaving him with cerebral palsy. Doctors in Hubei province suggested to his mother Zou Hongyan that she give up the baby, saying it was worthless trying to rescue him as he would grow up either disabled or with low intelligence.
Even the boy’s father agreed with the doctors and told Zou that the boy would be a burden for the family for his entire life. But Zou insisted on saving the boy and soon divorced.
To support the family and provide treatment for her son, Zou took up several jobs including a full-time position at a college in Wuhan as well as part time jobs as a protocol trainer and selling insurance.