Wife's Five-Year Vigil Awakens Comatose Husband
After five years of round-the-clock care following a near-fatal fall in 2019, a Chinese wife's dedication helped her comatose husband regain consciousness and whisper "I love you" for the first time since his injury.
A touching story has captivated the internet as a dedicated Chinese wife cared for her comatose husband for years. In 2019, Zhao Jinqian, a contract worker, fell approximately six meters from a warehouse roof while protecting a three-year-old child he was rescuing. The child survived unharmed, but Zhao suffered severe brain damage. Doctors said his chances of recovery were virtually zero, and even survival was considered miraculous.
His wife, Lang Songmei, quit her job to provide 24-hour care. She supplemented the family income by selling paintings and received financial help from the child's father, who raised about 45,000 yuan (approximately 230,000 baht) for medical treatment.
Following medical advice, Lang stimulated her husband's nervous system by gently biting his toes, a controversial but ultimately effective technique. In 2024, after five years of unwavering care, Zhao began to regain awareness. He gradually responded more to his surroundings, eventually learning to understand speech, raise his hand, and stand briefly.
On June 30, he whispered to his wife on the hospital bed: "I love you," bringing tears of joy to her eyes. During writing practice, the only word he could write was his wife's name.
The story has deeply moved Chinese netizens, many calling Zhao a "child-saving hero" and Lang a "miracle maker." While some questioned the toe-biting method, most praised her love, sacrifice, and patience in never abandoning her husband through those difficult years, ultimately bringing hope and light back into their lives.