"The feeling of breaking out of the cocoon and transforming into a butterfly is wonderful. I have found a new life here! That's why I knit these butterflies to give to the nurses." Sue, from the United States, spent the early morning knitting a basket of wool "butterflies" and gave them to the medical staff one by one. Sitting in an electric wheelchair, she looked particularly excited, saying, "Happy Nurses' Day!" She held the nurse's hand tightly. The nurse, accustomed to affectionately calling her "Su Mama" in Chinese, looked into Sue's bright eyes and responded happily, "Happy Mother's Day to you!" As she moved agilely through the hospital corridor, Suzy told reporters that when she came to Changsha, Hunan last year, she was far from as "lively" as she is now.
Sue, about 1.5 meters tall, once weighed over 200 kilograms. She said her obesity was due to some underlying health conditions combined with improper diet, which not only caused great inconvenience in her life but also affected her ability to walk normally. Her younger brother, who works in China, introduced her to this Hunan hospital that accepts international patients. Sue arrived in Changsha, Hunan, on December 25th last year and began her long treatment at Changsha Jingkai Hospital.
Sue always felt like a motionless "caterpillar" when she first came last year, and her obesity not only led to a series of health problems but also affected her mental state. She often felt lonely in the United States. During her treatment in China, the medical staff accompanied her every day. She said, "I am very happy. I am no longer forgotten by people. I thank the Chinese people for reminding me how important life is." During her treatment in Hunan, she would occasionally sit in her electric wheelchair and "stroll" in Changsha's parks or streets. She often heard passers-by greet her kindly in English. "When people who don't know me at all express kindness to me, I suddenly understand the meaning of my existence in this world," Sue said emotionally.
Director Sun Yuehui of the International Medical Department of Changsha Jingkai Hospital said that patients from 38 countries have come to the hospital for treatment, most of whom have rare and difficult diseases. The medical team usually conducts consultations with experts from multiple disciplines such as nutrition, rehabilitation, cardiovascular, respiratory, general surgery, endocrinology, and psychology, and formulates personalized treatment plans. China's medical technology, professional quality of medical staff, and sense of responsibility have been fully affirmed by these patients.
After five months of treatment, Sue's mobility has improved from difficulty turning over to relatively smooth movement, and she can even stand up and walk independently from her wheelchair. She has lost over 100 kilograms and plans to return to the United States on the 15th of this month to show her American relatives and friends her current appearance. "I am alive again. I have many new goals," Sue enthusiastically told reporters about her recent hobbies, such as making "butterflies," and the emotions they carry. She also talked about her future plans, saying, "After returning to the United States, I will definitely participate in some volunteer activities to help those who are struggling in life, contribute my strength, and strive to become their butterfly."
Source: hunantoday
