Liu Jijun has been living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for over 19 years, far exceeding the average survival time of three to five years for ALS patients. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, gradually taking away a person’s ability to move and speak.
Within just three and a half years after his diagnosis, Liu lost his ability to eat, walk, and speak. As his condition worsened, he underwent a tracheostomy—a surgical procedure to assist with breathing. Throughout this challenging journey, his wife, Wang Jinhuan, stood by his side, becoming his full-time caregiver.
Initially unfamiliar with ALS, Wang found it difficult even to recall the name of the disease. However, her determination led her to learn everything she could. Through years of self-learning and hands-on experience, Wang became as knowledgeable as a professional nurse, managing every aspect of Liu’s daily life.
Together, they turned their personal battle into a mission to help others. Liu and Wang co-founded the Oriental Rain ALS Care Center (ORACC), the first ALS patient organization in China. Wang also co-authored China’s first ALS rehabilitation manual with Professor Fan Dongsheng, a leading expert in ALS treatment in the Chinese mainland.
Liu and Wang’s love story began when they were both sixteen, and they have been inseparable ever since. Their unwavering commitment to each other—through sickness and health—fulfills their lifelong pledge of love. Today, the charity they founded has supported more than 4,000 ALS patients, bringing hope to thousands of families affected by this rare disease.
