Chris, a designer from the Philippines, recently presented a hand-painted gift to doctors at Shanghai Yida Hospital after a successful surgery gave her a new lease on life. "I wanted to capture this feeling with a brush, because this medical team is the reason I can hold my pen again," she said.

The painting was accompanied by a handwritten note: "Not all heroes wear capes; some wear medical uniforms."

For months, Chris had battled persistent pain. What began as stiffness in her neck and left shoulder soon sharpened into debilitating pain, numbness, and weakness spreading down her arm. Her greatest fear as a designer came true — she could no longer hold her drawing pen steadily, and it slipped helplessly from her weakening grip.

Her search for hope carried her from Manila to Shanghai. There she discovered more than medical expertise — she found compassion. Aware of her language barrier, the orthopedic team at Shanghai Yida Hospital arranged bilingual support and patiently guided her through every examination and procedure.

The surgery was successful. When Chris awoke, the piercing pain had vanished, the numbness had eased, and strength was gradually returning to her hand.

Today, her painting hangs in the office of the orthopedic department of the hospital as a lasting symbol of gratitude and cross-border trust.

Source: Qingpu district government