In a heart-wrenching story from China, a father who was incarcerated for stealing to fund his son’s cancer treatment faced the unimaginable pain of losing his child while still behind bars. Yu Haibo, a 29-year-old man from Jilin province, found himself in a desperate situation as he struggled to provide for his son, Jiayue, who was diagnosed with leukaemia at the tender age of three.
Yu’s journey began when he and his wife, Zhang Mingyu, moved to Tianjin to seek medical treatment for Jiayue. Despite working multiple jobs and selling their home, the financial burden of medical expenses became overwhelming. After two years of treatment, Jiayue’s condition had stabilised, but the family faced a new challenge when doctors recommended further treatment that would cost tens of thousands of yuan. The Covid-19 pandemic had left Yu without a steady income, pushing him to a breaking point.
In a moment of desperation, Yu resorted to stealing copper from roadside transformers, believing it was his only option to secure the funds needed for his son’s care. He sold the stolen copper for approximately 30,000 yuan (around US$4,200) but was arrested shortly thereafter and sentenced to four years in prison. “I did not know it was illegal. I was desperate,” Yu explained, reflecting on his actions.
A Father’s Love and Loss
While Yu was incarcerated, his wife worked tirelessly to support Jiayue, who unfortunately relapsed in January 2023. Despite the dire circumstances, prison officers and fellow inmates rallied to raise over 70,000 yuan (about US$10,000) for Jiayue’s treatment. In June 2023, Yu was granted a brief visit to see his son in the hospital. The emotional reunion was bittersweet, as Jiayue, frail and bedridden, expressed concern for his father, asking, “Dad, did you eat breakfast? What did you have?”
Tragically, Jiayue passed away just a month later at the age of nine. Yu’s father informed him that Jiayue’s ashes had been scattered in Jingyuetan Lake, a place the boy chose to remain close to his father. In his final message, Jiayue told Yu, “Dad, after you are out, do not think about me too much. If you miss me, just visit the lake. I will always be there.”
A New Beginning
Yu was released from prison in November 2024 after a sentence reduction. Since then, he has made it a point to visit the lake every two weeks, where he reflects on his son’s life and their bond. He has taken to odd jobs to support himself and has even started a social media account to share his experiences, amassing around 80,000 followers in the process.
On Father’s Day, June 15, Yu visited the lake with toys, cake, and flowers, a poignant tribute to his son. His story has resonated deeply with many on social media, with comments highlighting his dedication as a father despite his past mistakes. One user remarked, “You may not be a good citizen, but you are a great father,” while another noted that Yu now understands the importance of obeying the law and deserves compassion and support from society.
This tragic tale serves as a reminder of the lengths a parent will go to for their child and the profound impact of love and loss.Bookmark messageCopy messageExport