In a touching display of selflessness, a 75-year-old Chinese man has become a beauty content creator after finding a way to help his grandson, who suffers from a rare disease requiring expensive treatment, through live streaming.
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the grandfather wasn’t seeking fame or profit; his sole aim was to save the child’s life.
Grandfather Zhou Yunchang, from Jiangsu Province in eastern China, spends his days caring for his 9-year-old grandson, Jingjian, while at night he dedicates his time to live streaming until midnight, hoping to raise the necessary funds for the treatment.
During his live streams, the elderly man is seen experimenting with cosmetics and demonstrating lipstick colors on his arm—scenes that may seem ordinary to viewers, but behind them lies a story of struggle and determination.
His daughter, Zhou Wei, confirmed that her father has become more experienced than she is in using cosmetics, noting that everything he does stems from his love for his family.
The grandfather said, “I’m not doing this just because I’m a grandfather, but also because I’m a father.”
The family’s ordeal began nine years ago when Jingjian, at six months old, was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic disorder that attacks the nerves responsible for movement, causing muscle weakness and breathing difficulties.
Doctors told the family that the child might not live beyond 18 months, a devastating blow to his mother. The grandfather decided to take on the responsibility of caring for him himself.
He didn’t just offer emotional support; he learned physical therapy and massage techniques at the children’s hospital to care for his grandson daily. He also made sure to wear a mask whenever he felt unwell, fearing he might infect his grandson.
When specialized treatment became available in 2019, the family faced a new challenge: the cost of a single injection reached approximately 700,000 yuan. This forced the grandfather to sell his apartment and borrow from relatives to cover the treatment expenses.
In 2021, China began including the treatment in its national health insurance system, significantly easing the family’s financial burden.
Today, Jingjian is nine years old and can sometimes go to school and play with his friends.
The boy dreams of attending university in Qingdao, while his grandfather still holds onto his simple dream: “I hope to see him stand on his own two feet.”
The story has garnered significant attention on social media, with thousands praising the grandfather’s sacrifices. Many believe his love for his grandson gave him the strength to accomplish what seemed impossible.
