Fund for Qing Zhang

Have you ever heard of an ‘unsung hero’? Someone who, in their actions, passions and pursuits make the world a better place, brightening even the darkest day? A person who embodies humility and kindness, and truly honest to goodness places others ahead of themselves?

That was our friend Qing.

In the early hours of Saturday June 9th, while most of us slept, a beautiful family suffered an unexpected and catastrophic loss. In Qing Zhang, the family lost a devoted father and husband, and we all lost a brilliant mind, an incredible researcher, and an unfailing friend.

Qing’s heroics go beyond those who personally knew him. Qing very well may have helped even save some of you…  and you wouldn’t even know it. Qing was a biostatistician and researcher with the Levine Cancer Institute. He was never one for the limelight, although it is safe to say he never met a stranger or someone who didn’t count themselves a quick friend. Qing worked behind the scenes to make sure treatments for cancer were effective, giving those with their own life changing illness – HOPE. It is no understatement to say that he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those with life changing diagnoses, and to give them their best chance at time with their own families. The shock and cruel loss of such a brilliant mind is unfathomable. For none more so than his wife Grace, and their adorable 4-year old daughter, Alice.

Originally from China, Qing and his family have for years established a life here in the U.S. even starting their family with the birth of Alice in Charlotte. Being the doting father that he was, Qing loved taking Alice to swim class, gymnastics, and dance. He loved loving his daughter, and it showed in his smiling eyes and in the lightness of his carefree voice when he spoke about how big and spunky she was becoming. “Alice loves pink.” “Alice loves candies.” “Alice is super into Elsa.”

Although Qing loved Grace and Alice fiercely, that never took away or lessened his wholehearted concern and care for those whom he met and their families. Qing always ALWAYS took the time to ask how you were doing, how your family was, how that one aunt who had a cold that you mentioned in passing the last time you spoke was doing. He had a memory that an elephant would envy and he used it to make everyone feel like family. He was/IS INCREDIBLE!

Perhaps the most unique and memorable part of Qing, apart from his profound and unadulterated kindness, was his infectious and addicting laugh. I have no doubt that people are scouring internet and phones for any video of that incredibly lifting sound. If you knew him, you are likely hearing it now.

Although a book could be written on the impact this young man had on so many, with several chapters devoted to how wonderful a friend, father, and husband he was, I will end asking that you please consider donating to ensure Alice is well cared for throughout her life, in the way that her Dad wanted so badly to provide himself.

In this small way, we can try and show his family, and his sweet daughter Alice, just what an incredible person her father is and how his legacy lives on through her, through his work, through the countless friends whose lives he touched, and through those lives of survivors and their families that don’t know about their own unsung heroes.

For other donations or contributions, please contact Jessie He at [email redacted].