ALS fighter vows to fight till the end

(ECNS) -- The health of Cai Lei, chairman of Askhelpu and former JD.com vice president, is worsening due to suffering from Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS), which risks potential respiratory failure.

"My tongue and bottom lip are atrophying," he said in a video clip.

With his muscle strength diminishing, Cai requires assistance covering the five-meter distance from his bed to the restroom, and depends on a ventilator at night.

“I’m only steps away from death,” he said, adding that he "will fight till the day I die.”

Cai founded ALS Patient Support Network, a patient support platform and pharmaceutical research initiative focused on ALS treatment.

Thanks to his unrelenting spirit, he has served as a role model for thousands of fellow patients.

Last month, Cai addressed the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2024 via video link, urging more scientific research and clinical trials for ALS treatment. 

Cai was diagnosed with ALS in 2019, but his story has encouraged many people.

“It is not that there is hope so I fight for it, but that I fight so there is hope," he said.