The Choice to Live: Ovarian cancer patient an inspiration in fight against illness

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Despite the progress that has been made in the treatment of cancer, the very thought of it strikes fear into many. Still one of the leading causes of death worldwide, it is met by many with feelings of despair and helplessness. But one woman in central China's Henan Province managed to defy her bleak prognosis and it's now inspiring others in her city to do the same. Xu Mengqi has more from Zhengzhou.

Aerobics, or as some prefer, square dancing. It's a morning routine Liu Ling has been keeping for 17 years, ever since she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

LIU LING OVARIAN CANCER PATIENT "I couldn't believe it when they told me it was cancer. I really couldn't accept it. And then the chemotherapy began, I started losing my hair, vomiting and I couldn't take any food. I felt helpless. When the reactions were really bad, I thought about giving up on my life, too."

Specialists told Liu she had at most six months to live. But the thought of one person inspired Liu to fight through those most desperate of times, her daughter. She was then in her last year of senior high school.

XIA QINGYUE LIU LING'S DAUGHTER "I remember one evening, my mom and I made a promise to each other: she would cooperate with the doctors and try to live for me, and I would concentrate on my studies for her."

And so, in between her draining chemo sessions, Liu began her morning exercise routine. In the process, she learned about a local cancer support group. It was there she found the support and energy to go the extra mile.

LIU LING OVARIAN CANCER PATIENT "Those people were all cancer patients, and they said they had been recovering for over 30 years, some 20 and some 10. At that moment I felt hope. I thought if they could manage it, I could too."

Liu became actively involved in many of the group activities. For her, it provided a welcome escape from her pain and anguish. Now, she's happy to give back the help she once received to other cancer patients.

XU MENGQI ZHENGZHOU, HENAN "From time to time, Liu Ling organizes performances for the cancer support group. Many of the participants say joining the dancing and other activities have lifted their spirits and allowed them to open up themselves for more effective treatment."

Among those inspired by Liu Ling is Li Mumu. In 2012 she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest forms of the disease.

LI MUMU PANCREATIC CANCER PATIENT "At the time I hardly had the strength to combat the illness. She asked me to follow her and take one step at a time, and I would be able to move forward."

Liu Ling takes it upon herself to create meaning and perspective for her new friends. The pain, stress, and fear inflicted by their illnesses have now become a bond and they understand they're not alone in their struggle.

Nobody knows how successful their therapy will be, but all that matters now is that they've made the choice to fight and live. Xu Mengqi, CGTN, Zhengzhou, Henan Province.