Recently, a simple yet touching birthday celebration took place in the International Minimally Invasive Tumor Center of Guangzhou Foshan Chan Cheng Hospital (Guangzhou Xinshi Hospital), part of Fosun Health. Medical staff gathered to celebrate the birthday of Hela (pseudonym), a 68-year-old Indonesian cancer patient, presenting her with a birthday hat, flowers, and candles.

A Life Upended: Battling Cancer Across Borders

A month ago, Hela was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma. Determined to seek minimally invasive treatment for better quality of life, she traveled to China upon a friend’s recommendation. Upon admission, she suffered from severe pleural effusion and limited mobility due to her weight. The medical team promptly performed thoracentesis to drain the fluid, followed by a personalized treatment plan including angiography, perfusion, and embolization. The procedures went smoothly, significantly improving her condition.

Healing Across Miles: A Bond of Trust and Compassion

Though accompanied by family, Hela initially felt uneasy in a foreign country. Yet the warmth of the hospital staff soon put her at ease. To bridge the language gap, the center provided translators for her and her family. Nurses even downloaded translation apps to ensure smooth daily communication. Whenever Hela needed to move around, a nurse was by her side. After 20 days of meticulous care, her condition stabilized.

A Birthday of Hope: "We Want Patients to Feel Loved, Not Just Treated"

Before her discharge, Chief Nurse Tan Xiumei learned of Hela’s upcoming birthday and organized a surprise celebration with the team. Flowers, cake, and heartfelt wishes filled the ward with joy. Overwhelmed, Hela struggled to find words.

"Birthdays symbolize life and hope," said Nurse Tan. "We want our patients to remember not just their treatment, but also the comfort and kindness they experienced here."

This gesture is just one of many patient-centered initiatives at the center, which prioritizes compassionate care to foster a healing environment and stronger patient-doctor relationships.