As the first light of 2026 dawned, 47-year-old Cai Lei, former VP at JD.com and a fierce ALS advocate, released a heartfelt open letter to the global "locked-in" community. 🎆💪
Diagnosed with ALS—also known as Lou Gehrig's disease—six years ago, Cai's message blends raw honesty with unwavering determination. He revealed that his ALS Functional Rating Scale score has fallen into the single digits (out of a maximum 48), marking the late stage of his journey. While the disease has stolen much of his mobility, speech, and even breathing capacity, his mind remains as sharp as ever.
"ALS is unimaginably cruel," Cai writes, likening his experience to a clear mind trapped in a body "immobilized like a magnet." He adds that the loneliness can feel even harsher than being in a vegetative state. 💔
Despite daily battles—painful muscle weakness, tough speech, and breathing fights—Cai still works over 10 hours a day via eye-tracking tech. His mission? Fast-tracking global research and building data-driven platforms that could one day crack ALS. 🌍🔬
Thanks to international collaborations launched in recent years, progress is picking up pace. Teams across borders are sharing patient data, boosting AI-driven analyses, and testing novel therapies. Cai believes these breakthroughs hold the key to saving lives—yours, mine, and millions more.
For young pros in South and Southeast Asia, his story is a reminder that tech and teamwork spark hope in the toughest battles. Whether you’re coding the next health app or cheering on a friend, you’re part of this global push. Every data point, donation, or message of support counts! 🙌❤️
Here’s to a 2026 filled with empathy, innovation, and real breakthroughs. Let’s keep the momentum going!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
