The Last Wish Granted - The Story of Mrs. Gao

In the spring of 2005, devastating news came to the Li family of Burnaby , B.C., near Vancouver . Mr. James Li had immigrated to Canada to finish his PhD at Simon Fraser University . He came with his wife, Mrs. Li, who had already completed her PhD in China . This promising young couple was shocked when they found out that the 29-year-old Mrs. Li had developed a rare cancer of the heart. The prognosis was grim and they were notified that Mrs. Li's life was imminently threatened.

Mr. Li desperately wanted to have his mother-in-law come to Vancouver to be with his wife for comfort and support during this critical time but found, as young students, they did not have the financial means to make a reunification possible. Mr. Li was referred by a lady and contacted our organization in the hope we could offer some help.

Mrs. Gao Xian Zhi, the mother of Mrs. Li, lives in a town near Beijing , China . Working as a farmer, her income is only $500 Canadian per year. Mrs. Gao desperately wished to be with her daughter in this time of great need.

We at C.A.R.E. felt this was a circumstance calling for family bonding and support and took action to reunite this mother and daughter. Due to the urgency of the situation, Mrs. Gao needed a plane ticket as soon as possible. All seats for the next two weeks were fully booked so we consulted with Cathay Pacific's Asia Miles and they were so kind to arrange a special seat for Mrs. Gao on a flight within 24 hours.

This was Mrs. Gao's first time riding in an airplane and she was nervous about transferring planes in Hong Kong , but with assistance from Cathay Pacific's personnel, all went well. After a long flight over the Pacific Ocean, Mrs. Gao arrived at Vancouver International Airport where we met her and transported her immediately to her daughter's residence on the University campus.

When we reached Mrs. Li's home it was time of intense emotion as the family was reunited. In the wake of the tearful reunion, Mrs. Li was notified that she was being moved into a hospice that same day her mother arrived. We contacted the hospital and requested that Mrs. Gao be allowed to stay with her daughter and be with her in the hospice. Two weeks later we received an update from Mr. Li that his wife's condition had stabilized a bit. This brave young woman is requesting that further intensive treatment not be given so that she can experience the days ahead with her family with peace and clarity. Our prayers go with her.