Upon hearing that her time was limited, a cancer patient in China staged a living funeral in a public park — an emotional farewell that moved countless strangers to tears and drew an outpouring of love both in person and online.
Source: @姜一 (抗癌版) on Douyin
Three months ago, 30-year-old Jiang Yi from Zhejiang Province, who had experienced unusual bleeding, was diagnosed with small-cell cervical cancer.
As the disease had already spread when discovered, doctors informed her that she might have just two years left to live, reports the Southern China Morning Post (SCMP).
Even as her health declined, Ms Jiang clung to hope, cherishing every moment with her husband and three-year-old son.
She struggled to walk and battled intense pain as chemotherapy took a toll on her body.
Still, Ms Jiang chose to focus on gratitude instead of grief.
“Jiang sees every day as a gift,” said Ms Li, Ms Jiang’s college roommate and close friend.
In late March, Ms Jiang decided to hold a living funeral in a park to celebrate her life, share cherished memories, and bid farewell to her friends and family.
Although her parents initially objected due to cultural beliefs, they were eventually won over by her unwavering spirit and optimism.
The event was captured on video and posted on Chinese social media platform Douyin.
Source: @姜一 (抗癌版) on Douyin
At the gathering, Ms Jiang placed a radiant portrait of herself, chosen as her own memorial photo, and brought an easel and paints to the park — which people could use to leave messages.
She also displayed a poster detailing her condition which read: “Hello, stranger. If I am unfortunate, I may become an angel in two years. I hope you can leave me a blessing.”
“Please embrace the coming springtimes on my behalf, and live with twice the courage.”
Despite the drizzle, many passers-by stopped to write heartfelt notes and embrace her.
Source: @姜一 (抗癌版) on Douyin
One woman hugged Ms Jiang tightly, reassuring her that things were not as bleak as they seemed.
She shared her own recovery from illness and told Ms Jiang she too would get better.
Another man wrote: “I hope every day in your future feels like sunshine.”
A young artist drew a heart and added: “Stay strong, and get well soon.”
Source: @姜一 (抗癌版) on Douyin
Overwhelmed with emotion, Ms Jiang said even a stranger’s simple blessing revealed the warmth and kindness that still exist in the world.
The following day, she held a farewell ceremony at home, sharing a slideshow of her life — from childhood memories and career highlights to fangirling over her idols.
Source: @姜一 (抗癌版) on Douyin
“Mum, Dad, don’t be sad. In my next life, I still want to be your daughter,” Ms Jiang voiced.
“If you cry now, then you mustn’t cry when I truly become an angel. I promise I will leave with a smile.”
She posed for photos with loved ones, raising her hand in a quiet gesture of strength and self-encouragement.
Ms Jiang said she’s determined to fight, not for herself, but to watch her son grow up.
“I’m not scared of dying,” she said. “What matters isn’t how long we live, but how fully we live each moment.”
On Saturday (5 April), Ms Li told a Chinese news outlet that Ms Jiang was undergoing chemotherapy in Shanghai, but she was in poor condition.
Ms Jiang’s courageous story has struck a chord on Chinese social media. Her video has since garnered almost 800,000 likes.
One user commented that her living funeral would trick death into letting her live longer.
Source: @姜一 (抗癌版) on Douyin
Translation: This funeral will definitely fool death. Don’t worry, everything will be fine.
Another added: “A relative of mine was in the late stage of illness. The doctor said two years at most, but it’s been 15 years now, and they’re still doing just fine.”
Source: @姜一 (抗癌版) on Douyin
Also read: 8-year-old boy with rare cancer in China granted dream to be police officer on his birthday
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Featured image adapted from @姜一 (抗癌版) on Douyin.