The touching story of Tan Zonglu, a 12-year-old boy from Sichuan province, China, has captivated hearts across the nation. Born with a foot disability and abandoned as an infant, Tan’s life has been a testament to resilience and the power of human kindness.
In 2011, Tan was found by a young girl beside a rubbish pile, with nothing but a baby bottle and a note revealing his birth date. He was immediately taken in by the girl’s mother, Luo, who noticed his abnormal foot development. Despite her own financial constraints and the responsibility of raising three daughters, Luo ensured Tan’s survival during those critical early moments.
Unable to provide for Tan herself, Luo turned to her neighbor, Tan Yuegui, a man without a family, who graciously agreed to adopt the boy. Over the next 12 years, Tan’s adoptive father worked tirelessly to provide for them, while the boy formed a close bond with his adoptive grandfather. Tan expressed his deep love and gratitude for his father through diary entries, showcasing a profound emotional connection.
Tragedy struck in April 2022 when Tan’s adoptive grandfather passed away, followed by his father’s death in October due to liver cirrhosis, exacerbated by their financial inability to afford proper medical care. Once again, Luo stepped in, arranging for Tan to live at his school during the weekdays and at her home on weekends.
The boy’s plight caught the attention of Deng Zhigang, an online blogger known as Bro Gang is a Girl, who shared Tan’s story through videos that quickly garnered widespread sympathy. Moved by his resilience, a viewer named Lv Qiao, who had experienced a similar abandonment, felt a strong connection to Tan and decided to adopt him. Lv, a hair salon owner and mother of two sons, welcomed Tan into her family with Luo’s blessing.
In a remarkable turn of events, Wan Yuan Ren He Hospital offered to perform corrective surgery on Tan’s feet at no cost. The surgery was successfully completed on December 2, and despite the pain, Tan demonstrated incredible strength and sensibility. His journey and unwavering spirit have touched many across the country.
People from all walks of life have been moved by Tan’s story, with many expressing their hopes for his future. One online commenter noted Tan’s maturity and wished for his speedy recovery and a peaceful life ahead. Tan’s life, marked by challenges and the kindness of strangers, continues to inspire and remind us of the enduring power of compassion and community support.
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