Xiao Feng has been living with a rare genetic disorder since childhood that has made her an outcast among her peers. Her physical abnormalities have caused her immense difficulties in her daily life, leaving her looking like an old woman. Despite numerous visits to the doctors, a solution for her condition remained elusive for years. Her appearance was the primary reason for rejection when she tried to enroll in school, and her credentials were frequently questioned. The road ahead seemed bleak, with no apparent solutions in sight.
At the age of 15, Xiao looked like an old woman due to the rapid progression of her disease. While typically resulting in comprehensive aging of the body, only her skin exhibited signs of aging. This presented a rare opportunity for Xiao to improve her condition. Her perceived elderly appearance from childhood was a difficult and isolating experience, creating challenges in relating to peers and coping with the burden of this perception.
Xiao’s skin problems first emerged during infancy, and as she grew older and started attending school, her peers and even her neighbors made fun of her, worsening her already difficult situation. Despite her struggles, Xiao managed to graduate from high school, though the road was undoubtedly arduous. The constant ridicule and insults directed towards her made it challenging to imagine pursuing higher education.
The solution to Xiao’s skin problem was a surgical procedure, which was estimated to cost 500,000 yuan. Despite the public’s efforts to collect funds, only 190,000 yuan was raised. Fortunately, the hospital offered a 70% discount, bringing the cost down significantly. Despite the remaining financial gap, the hospital decided to waive the fee altogether, recognizing the importance of Xiao’s quality of life and future prospects.
The surgery was a lengthy and intricate procedure that required the expertise of 10 doctors who worked in shifts. Along with them, the additional nursing staff was also involved in the operation. The surgery lasted for seven hours, during which Xiao’s appearance underwent a significant transformation. The doctors skillfully removed excess skin and altered her nose, eyebrows, and mouth to give her a new and improved look.
Following the successful surgery, Xiao confidently addressed the media at a press conference, sporting her new appearance. This was a day she will remember for the rest of her life, and she was grateful to the doctors who changed her life. Despite her challenges, Xiao persevered, and her story is an inspiring example of the strength of the human spirit.