12.07.2026 15:30
Song Mei, who lives in China, cared for her husband Zhao Jinqian for years after he was severely injured and fell into a vegetative state while saving a child in 2019. Following doctors' advice on nerve stimulation, Song bit her husband's toes every day and gradually noticed reflexes. After a seven-year struggle, Zhao regained consciousness and upon opening his eyes, his first words to his wife were "I love you."
The story of Zhao Jinqian, living in China's Henan province, caused a huge stir in the country. In 2019, Zhao climbed onto a roof to rescue a 3-year-old child trapped in a warehouse, but fell from a height of about 6 meters during the rescue. To protect the child in his arms, he shielded him with his body, landing on his head.
The young child emerged from the accident unscathed, while Zhao entered a vegetative state due to severe brain trauma, multiple fractures, and lung damage.
DOCTORS WERE HOPELESS
While doctors considered Zhao's survival a miracle, they said the likelihood of him regaining consciousness was extremely low. After the accident, the family's savings were depleted due to treatment costs.
QUIT HER JOB AND BEGAN CARING FOR HER HUSBAND
45-year-old Song Mei quit her job as an art teacher at a kindergarten to take on full-time care for her husband. Earning a living by selling paintings online, Song years managed his cleaning, physical therapy, and care. She talked to him every day, gave him massages, and often slept less than four hours a day. The father of the rescued child also supported the treatment costs despite his limited financial situation.
BIT HIS TOES EVERY DAY
Doctors recommended regular stimulation of Zhao's fingers and toes to activate the nerves. Song Mei noticed a slight reflex one day when she accidentally bit her husband's toe.
Thereupon, she began biting his toes every day by putting a plastic bag over his foot. She continued this unusual practice without interruption for years.
THE MIRACLE YEARS LATER
After seven years of treatment and care, Zhao opened his eyes in a hospital bed on June 30. His first words were directed to his wife, Song Mei.
"Song Mei, I love you."
Healthcare workers also noted that during cognitive and writing therapies, the only word Zhao could still write was his wife's name.
Song Mei shared on her social media account: "Everyone says the road ahead is very tough. But a husband and wife are meant to overcome difficulties together. I don't know what the best treatment is, but I am ready to fight for many years."