Jiang Yanchen, a determined young man, spent most of his life unable to stand straight due to a rare spinal disorder known as ankylosing spondylitis. His spine was so severely curved that his head nearly touched his back, and his height was limited to just one meter. Despite this, Jiang never allowed his condition to hold him back.
In 2022, he appeared for his high school entrance exams lying on a yoga mat, showing exceptional willpower. His hard work was rewarded when he secured admission to a university to study Energy and Power Engineering. Over the past year, Jiang underwent a series of four complex surgeries to straighten his spine. The final operation lasted over 12 hours, involving the breaking and reconstruction of his spinal bones. The surgeries were so challenging that the lead surgeon was seen kneeling for support during the procedure. In total, doctors managed to correct a 170-degree curve in his spine.
For the first time in 21 years, Jiang can now lie flat and stand tall. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “I entered college on my knees. Now, I want to walk into graduate school standing proud.”
His mother, overwhelmed with emotion, described the medical team as their "lifesavers." Jiang now hopes to use his education to serve others and give back to the community. His story is a shining example of resilience, courage, and hope in the face of adversity.