Ovarian cancer patient an inspiration in fight against illness

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Still one of the leading causes of death worldwide, cancer is met by many with feelings of fear, despair, and helplessness.

But one woman in central China's Henan Province has managed to defy her bleak prognosis and inspired others in her city to do the same.

In 2001, 44-year-old Liu Ling had surgery to find out the cause of her long-standing abdominal pain and following the operation, she was diagnosed to be at the late stage of ovarian cancer, with only three to six months left for her.

Liu Ling with other association members during a rehearsal. /CGTN Photo

What struck Liu the most was the chemotherapy and the reactions that came with it: she started losing her hair, vomiting and couldn’t take any food.

Her family quickly rallied, and encouraged her to continue the draining chemo sessions so as to extend her life.

But it was the thought of seeing her daughter go to college - the exams were just six months away that motivated her to fight through the most desperate of times.

During the time Liu also learned about a local cancer support group which later became the Henan Association of Life Care.

The stories of other people who had been recovering for decades supplied her with the hope to survive.

She became actively involved in the voluntary activities of the association, which provided a welcome escape from her pain and anguish. Before long, Liu found she had defied her death sentence, much to do with the help from her friends.

Now Liu choreographs dances and organizes other activities for the association.

Members say by coming together they have acquired more medical knowledge about their illnesses and more importantly they understand they're not alone in their struggle.

Liu said it takes proper treatment, love, and care, fitness training as well as a positive mindset to fight cancer.