A story from China is warming hearts online, not for controversy but for its simple message of human connection. A young woman undergoing cancer treatment, largely alone, made an unusual request through a food delivery app: she asked a rider to sit with her for two hours. What followed was an outpouring of support from strangers.
The patient's lonely battle
According to the South China Morning Post, Little Li, a 24-year-old from Foshan in Guangdong province, is being treated for a rare blood cancer. She has undergone four rounds of chemotherapy, and doctors say her condition is stable. However, she has spent much of her hospital time without close family. Her father works away to cover treatment costs, and her younger brother is busy with an internship.
An unusual request
On April 15, Li used a food delivery platform to make a personal request: she asked a delivery rider to come and sit with her for two hours. No food was involved; she simply wanted company. The first rider who accepted later shared her story with other riders in his group.
A wave of support
Soon, more delivery riders began visiting Li. Many came after work, bringing milk, snacks, books, and soft toys. Some just spent time talking to her. One rider, Chen, said, “Li does not have any family with her all the time. I felt sympathy and empathy, so I wanted to visit her.”
Some riders went out of their way. A rider from Yunnan sent flowers through an online florist. Another rider, Huang, traveled nearly three hours from Guangzhou to visit her. Huang explained, “I once had kind customers who offered me water and greetings. Now, I want to help others in return.” At the hospital, riders were careful not to disturb her rest, waiting quietly when she was sleeping.
A positive change
When Li was first admitted, she was quiet and withdrawn. But as visitors came, her mood improved. She began interacting more and eating better. She later said, “I never imagined so many people would come to encourage me. They accompanied me selflessly, and I was deeply touched.”
Support beyond riders
The story also reached others. A police officer visited and shared stories from his work. A cancer survivor in her 60s, surnamed Wang, brought flowers and shared her own journey to motivate Li, saying, “Look at how well I am doing. You should stay strong and keep going.”
Online reactions
Many online users were moved. One comment read, “The riders are the busiest people in this city, yet they are willing to pause their work for a sick woman.” Another wrote, “These riders are like her temporary family. Love from society can heal all wounds. I hope Li recovers soon.”
