A woman in central China has moved social media users across the mainland after it emerged that she borrowed one million yuan (US$140,000) to provide full-time care for her daughter-in-law, who has remained in a near-vegetative state for five years following a devastating road accident. The story, reported by the South China Morning Post, has resonated widely for its selfless devotion and quiet resilience.
The accident that changed everything
Yuanyuan, the daughter-in-law, suffered critical injuries on 25 June 2020, including trauma to her head, face, pelvis and limbs. Doctors performed an emergency craniotomy, but she slipped into a deep coma soon after. Four months later, she regained minimal consciousness. Even today, she remains unable to turn over, open her mouth independently, dress herself, or control bodily functions, according to Henan TV.
Despite the bleak prognosis, her mother-in-law, Liu Zhenyan, never left her side. Liu recalled rushing to the hospital and hearing Yuanyuan faintly call her “Mum”, a moment that cemented her resolve: “I felt responsible for her future, no matter how difficult the road ahead.”
Five years of devoted care
Throughout Yuanyuan’s first year in hospital, Liu slept beside her on a makeshift bed. Her care was so constant that many assumed she was Yuanyuan’s biological mother. Since Yuanyuan cannot eat on her own, Liu feeds her by hand, bathes her regularly, and carries her when needed. She continues to honour the young woman’s preference for cleanliness and dignity.
Liu and her son borrowed heavily—up to one million yuan—to pay for medical treatment. “When we could not secure a loan, I wished it were me lying in that bed instead,” she said, noting that Yuanyuan and her son had been married for 15 years and share two children.
A family’s promise and a mother’s determination
Liu’s son has remained committed throughout Yuanyuan’s long recovery journey. Liu disclosed that she once told him she hoped he would never remarry should Yuanyuan pass away, to avoid emotional disruption for the grandchildren. “He agreed immediately,” she said.
The women’s bond predates the accident. “She treated me like her mother, and I treated her like my daughter,” Liu shared. Recently, Liu secured further funds for reconstructive skull surgery, explaining, “I know Yuanyuan loves being beautiful. Since she cannot move, I am her crutch.”