On the afternoon of March 20, high school juniors and seniors gathered in the XM Annex Auditorium to listen to a touching speech from Ms. Chu. With heartfelt sincerity, Ms. Chu shared her personal journey, one marked by the loss of her daughter to cancer a decade ago. Ms. Chu's narrative began with the stark reality of her daughter's illness, a journey fraught with discomfort and countless hospital visits, evolving into a routine of radiation and chemotherapy. Despite these challenges, her daughter Xi An remained optimistic, and in one of her reflections, she wrote, “I am grateful for everything I have, every bit of sweetness in life, showering me with honey.” Xi An and Ms. Chu also had a supportive community around them: from the unwavering support of a dedicated social worker to the selfless firefighters who assisted with Xi An's care, Ms. Chu and her daughter were strengthened by acts of kindness and compassion. Ms. Chu and Xi An never gave up, and they fought together to the last moments of Xi An’s life.

Their resilience and unwavering determination in the face of adversity served as an enduring legacy. In honor of Xi An's memory, Ms. Chu established the Xi An Care Fund to aid other children battling chronic illnesses. What began as a modest initiative with a handful of volunteers has blossomed into a movement, with thousands offering their time and support, benefiting over 5,000 children. Volunteers, driven by empathy and a desire to make a difference, distribute "Xi An Care Bags" filled with essential hospital items and comforting toys. Additionally, they organize engaging activities, ranging from arts and crafts to music lessons, to bring joy and distraction to young patients.

After the speech, the students were deeply moved and started to write words of gratitude on cards, which they then posted on the bulletin board. Ms. Chu's unwavering commitment to alleviating the suffering of families facing similar challenges resonated deeply with the students present, instilling in them a profound sense of empathy and a renewed determination to make a positive difference in the world.

(Written by 11(2) Cana Cai  Pictures by 11(3) Mimi Xue  Supervised by Meijun Shi  Reviewed by Qian Zuo)