Pneumoconiosis sufferer transforms gas tank for oxygen

By Wu Jin
0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, November 26, 2015
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The family of Zhao Defu, a 40-year-old villager of Shilongba in Yunnan Province, has struggled with financial shortages since they learned that both Zhao’s lungs have been contaminated by the powders infiltrated at construction sites.

Zhao Defu, a 40-year-old sufferer of pneumoconiosis, transforms gas tanks into oxygen cylinders to save costs for his family encountering financial difficulties.

Zhao Defu, a 40-year-old sufferer of pneumoconiosis, transforms gas tanks into oxygen cylinders to save costs for his family encountering financial difficulties.

Having spent more than 20 years chopping stones and ornamenting steles since he was 16, Zhao has inhaled enormous amounts of powders which have deteriorated the conditions of his lungs and led to his suffering as a pneumoconiosis patient.

Zhao had no choice but to leave his highly polluted freelance jobs when he was diagnosed with the deadly disease, causing his family to lose their major source of income.

With meager savings, Zhao cannot afford a clinical oxygen inhaler. So he transforms gas tanks into oxygen containers by pumping the air from a second-hand oxygen generator to the metal container in an attempt to sustain the function of his lungs despite the strong smell of oil.

The family is deep in debt as Zhao’s six siblings have borrowed substantial amounts of money to build houses when they were married. His wife’s parents are bed-ridden and his father is suffering from diabetes.

“When the condition worsened, I just had no courage to live on. Had it not been for my only daughter, who is 10 years old, I wouldn’t be here,” said Zhao.

“Every time I am tormented by the disease my daughter cries over my suffering and pats my back,” Zhao said. “Some friends online suggested that I render custody of my daughter and I thought it over, but found I don’t have the heart to do so.”

Without traveling during the past 40 years, Zhao hoped that he could take a flight before he dies from the illness. His will also concerns his wife and daughter. He hopes a good Samaritan would provide assistance so that they may not be left in desperation after his death.

Zhao’s story has moved numerous tender hearts, who, according to him, have donated about 10,100 yuan (US$1,580) in aggregate, including 4,000 yuan of governmental subsidies.

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