Dear Friends and Supporters,

My name is Huili Chen, a retired high school teacher from Zhengzhou, Henan Province, and a single mother who has raised two children on my own. Our family has always lived modestly, but we now face an unprecedented challenge: my son, Dongze Li, who was studying at the University of Minnesota, suffered a sudden intracranial hemorrhage that left him partially paralyzed. I am humbly reaching out to ask for your support to help us through this difficult time.

Dongze is 22 years old. After losing his father at the age of eight, he learned early on that hard work and determination were his only means to shape his future. During high school, he independently applied to universities abroad and was admitted to the mathematics program at the University of Minnesota. Just before completing his undergraduate studies, he earned admission to Johns Hopkins University for graduate studies with a scholarship.

Tragically, on May 1, 2025—only two weeks before he was due to finish his final courses—Dongze suffered a brain hemorrhage in his dormitory and was rushed to the University of Minnesota Medical Center. Surgeons removed approximately 100 milliliters of hematoma from his brain—nearly one-third of the total brain volume. He awoke after two weeks in a coma, which doctors described as nothing short of a miracle. However, the bleeding severely damaged the left hemisphere of his brain. Although conscious, he is now paralyzed on his right side, experiences significant memory loss, and has severely impaired speech. After being stabilized, Dongze was transferred to the Jones-Harrison Senior Living facility in St. Louis Park, where he is undergoing intensive rehabilitation.

I flew to the United States as soon as I learned of his condition and have been caring for him full-time. These have been the most difficult months of our lives, yet they have also shown us profound kindness and humanity. I would like to express our deepest gratitude to:

- Dongze’s classmates, Gangling Mou and Haoyun Sun, who called for an ambulance and alerted university staff, helping to save his life.

- Dr. Mengxuan Tang, the attending physician, and Dr. Andrew Walker Grande, the neurosurgeon who performed the life-saving operation and has continued to provide exceptional care.

- Mr. Charles Dania, Crisis Manager of the International Student and Scholar Services at the University of Minnesota, who helped preserve Dongze’s student status and medical insurance—essential for his ongoing treatment.

- Mr. Jonathan Nesvig of The Hospitality Center, who reached out for support and resources on our behalf.

- The Chinese Church of the West, Twin Cities Chinese Christian Church, Minnesota Chinese Christian Lutheran Church, and Plymouth Covenant Church, which organized a volunteer driver team that transports Dongze to acupuncture sessions six times a week.

We are also deeply moved by the outpouring of support from the community. Many individuals have visited us, helped with daily tasks, provided translation, and brought meals, including:

Jijun He, Pastor Zeng, Zhe Feng & Branden, Carol & Doug, Lei Jiang, Bingwen Hao, Richelle Ai, Qiaoli Huang, Feng Tang, Jun Li & Qian Zhao, Wen Liu, Ping Geng, Sai Wang, Qi Cheng & spouse, Dongmei Li & Bo Liu, Qiaoyuan Xie & spouse, Yong Lin, Annie, Han Meng, Lili Qie, Nancy, Jingzhi Hao, Fubo Liang & spouse, Benshu Wan, Jingxin Zhou, Chen Guo, Yao Meng, Teacher Zhong, Yaning, Jiawen, Jingzhu Luo, Yue Wu, Chang Song, Zhihua He, Xin Heng, Kai Zhang, Jihua He, Lijuan Zhang, Mary (Hongmei), Fenlan Xie, Hui Peng, Lan Su, Fengzhen Ni (Annie), Weifeng Ni, Wenli Zhao, Yue Zhuang, Yizhan Sun, Longfei Hu, Xinrong Zhang, Jane, Cindy Bai & spouse, and Bingwen Yan.

We also extend our thanks to those who supported us anonymously.

In addition, the Christian Church in Plymouth provided emergency financial assistance on two occasions, while the following individuals and families gave generous donations that helped us through our most urgent needs:

Richelle Ai, Jijun He & Ying Li, Jun Li & Qian Zhao, Dr. Yulian Yang, Feng Tang, Yong Lin, and Carol & Doug.

It is only because of such selfless support that my son and I have been able to endure this crisis in a foreign country and continue to hold onto hope.

Despite this incredible help, we are facing severe financial strain. Dongze and his sister’s education had already exhausted our family’s savings. Although Dongze has always been frugal and took on part-time work during school, my only steady income is a 3,000 RMB monthly pension, which I’ve long supplemented with side jobs. Now, with my full attention devoted to Dongze’s care, I am unable to work, and our daily expenses have become difficult to manage. His rehabilitation requires substantial and ongoing funding—even with insurance, his medical cost is now over $8,000 out-of-pocket.

I had hoped to bring Dongze back to China to reduce costs once his condition stabilized. However, doctors have advised that due to the fragility of his cerebral blood vessels, he cannot travel by air for one to three years. We are therefore compelled to remain in the U.S. for long-term treatment.

Faced with these overwhelming challenges, I am turning to the kindness of the public for assistance. Any support you can offer will make an immeasurable difference. Dongze and I are forever grateful for your compassion and generosity. May every kind-hearted person be blessed with safety and peace.

With sincere thanks,

Huili Chen