Nanchang couple runs kitchen for family of cancer patients

"Many families are prepared for the long fight against cancer, so they come to the kitchen to cook meals from the first day their loved ones are admitted to the hospital," said Xiong, adding that "they can make whatever they want.”

The "cancer-fighting kitchen" allows families to cook for loved ones who are fighting cancer at a nearby hospital. [Photo: provided to China Plus]

She believes that the kitchen also provides families with a welcome break from the pain and suffering of their loved ones in the hospital. "Family members can become exhausted, both physically and mentally, when caring for a cancer patient year-round," said Xiong. "I can often see tears in their eyes when they are cooking."

The "cancer-fighting kitchen" allows families to cook for loved ones who are fighting cancer at a nearby hospital. [Photo: provided to China Plus]

Every time upon finding a family crying, Xiong always encourages them to look forward. "I say, 'Since your loved has the disease, there is nothing you can do but face it. Eating enough and well, they can at least have the strength to fight the cancer. If they can't even eat well, how can they recover swiftly?'"

Over the past 17 years, Xiong has heard so many cases of life and death but she still empathizes with each new family who arrive at the kitchen. "Their trust and persistence have motivated me to continue running this service," she says.

The "cancer-fighting kitchen" allows families to cook for loved ones who are fighting cancer at a nearby hospital. [Photo: provided to China Plus]