People hold signs with the words "D-Strong" at the Great Wall in Beijing. (Photo/CCTV's SinWeibo account)
D-STRONG looks likely to be the next popular word on China's social media, as it is already a hashtag in support of the final wish of an American boy with terminal cancer.
Thousands posted on their social webpages pictures of themselves holding a sign that reads "D-STRONG" since Dorian Murray's father posted a message on social media earlier this week asking for a picture from the Great Wall of China with a #D-STRONG sign to help the boy fulfil his wish.
Many Internet users in China also gave their best wishes and offered support for Murray, an eight-year-old who lives in Westerly Rhode Island, the United States.
"Stay strong, Dorian" is a message shared by some Internet users on Wechat, the most popular social media app in the country.
Some observers are already saying that it might be one of the most popular hashtags in the new year, while others say that the story spread the message of love and touched the hearts of many.
Murray was diagnosed with cancer at the age of four. He and his family decided to stop the treatment recently after a checkup showed that cancer cells in his body had spread to his spinal and brain.
Murray told his father over the weekend that what he "really wanted" before going to heaven was "to be famous in China ...because they have that bridge," referring to the Great Wall.
"So I am reaching out to anyone who may know someone in China or other countries who would be willing to send a picture to Dorian with a #D-STRONG sign," his father Chris wrote in the message.
On late Tuesday, some Wechat users shared the message posted by Dorian's father. It was Wednesday in Beijing.
Two hours later, pictures of tourists on the Great Wall with the D-STRONG sign started to pour in on social media.
"It's really fast. I can feel the enthusiasm in Beijing even though it's chilly cold winter," one Internet user said in a post that received many likes and draws many comments.
