Chunchun's Miracle Surgery Recovery

My name is Ming Canaday. I am trying to raise funds for my “little sister” Chunchun. We were both abandoned by our parents in China at a young age. Our shared history and our friendship over the years has made us become as close as biological sisters. I entered the orphanage around the age of three or four years old when my biological father abandoned me into the streets. When I arrived at the orphanage, Chunchun was already living there. Unlike my little sister, Chunchun, I was adopted from the orphanage in 2001 and came to America. Chunchun was never adopted to a loving family and given the medical attention she needed. When I was adopted, the doctors quickly diagnosed me as having post-polio and scoliosis and said I needed an operation right away or my life span would be shortened. Even though our medical conditions are very similar, Chunchun, however, was not given this opportunity. Instead, her scoliosis gradually became worse and worse. Her life has not been easy because of the problems that come with this condition if not treated.

A couple of years ago she complained about having a hard time digesting food and difficulties breathing. Over the years, she has become so much more frail and fragile. Realizing the similarity in our medical conditions, I knew she needed surgery right away. However, due to the fact that she is now in her mid-twenties, the risk of surgery is a lot higher. I searched for organizations willing to help, but we were told the surgery was simply too dangerous. ChunChun’s condition became worse.  And then Glow Fund, a nonprofit located in London, but with U.S. connections, came along and gave us incredible hope. The director of the organization was willing to review Chunchun’s medical condition, and with his team of outstanding Stanford orthopedic surgeons, who volunteer their services, they agreed to take on ChunChun’s case. A couple of weeks ago, Chunchun traveled for 30 hour to Yantai Hospital, a hospital in Shandong, for the surgery that would save her life. She underwent the miracle eight hour surgery that no other doctors had thought possible. She is currently recovering well at the hospital. 

However, now that she has had this major surgery, she will need to recover for at least a few months.  I am helping her financially right now, but I cannot do it alone. I am asking you to reach out to someone you don’t know, but through your compassion you can make an incredible difference.

Funds will be used for three main purposes. First, it will be used to help rent an apartment close to the hospital where she had her surgery. If she can recover close to the hospital it will give her the best chance to avoid complications. In case she has any emergencies, she will be able to reach the hospital quickly. ChunChun still resides at the orphanage which is thousands of miles away from the Yantai hospital where she underwent this miracle surgery. The trip back would be extremely difficult for her and put her at risk.   Second, the money will be used to purchase a high quality, light weight, user friendly wheelchair for Chunchun. Her current wheelchair is falling apart and the wheels have been repaired way too many times to be functional again. And third, the money will be used to help cover her day to day expenses for the next several months while she is recovering.  Chunchun is unable to earn money during her recovery period. She will probably not be able to work for at least three months due to the active nature of how she earns an income. (As shared in the ChinaFile article, Chunchun earns her living by traveling around various parts of China putting on singing performances in the streets in hopes of earning a little money. To read more about her story, please read this story on ChinaFile that I wrote on her life journey and medical condition: http://www.chinafile.com/features/chinese-orphan-disability-life-us-brought-strength-help-friend-left-behind)

Due to the fragile state of Chunchun’s medical condition, it would be best if these funds could be raised immediately. Finding a wheelchair accessible place to rent, and purchasing a good quality, custom-fit wheelchair all takes time.

Being her chosen big sister, this would mean so much to me that I initiated the process for her to be able to recovery safely and in a worry free manner. I know that she has often lived a hand to mouth existence, so I know she will be forever grateful for your generosity. 

I will also be forever grateful, completely humbled, and emotionally touched if we can support ChunChun as she recovers from her miracle surgery. If we are able to purchase a wheelchair for her, it will start her off to a new and healthy future. Helping a friend in need will become my proudest feat yet.