Life hits hard, right? But when former tech exec Cai Lei got diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) on the Chinese mainland, it wasn’t just his world that flipped—his wife Duan Rui turned it into a mission. 🚀 Together, this power duo is rewriting the ALS narrative, driving the world’s largest ALS patient research data platform, and fast-tracking over 40 potential drugs into clinical trials.
ALS is a rare, progressive condition that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. In simple terms, it’s like your messaging app crashing permanently—signals can’t get through, and muscles start losing function. While there’s no cure yet, awareness and research are game-changers.
After Cai Lei’s diagnosis, Duan Rui paused her own career to raise serious funding. She’s hustled across cities, pitched to impact investors, and rallied the ALS community—all while serving as Cai’s rock. And she’s not calling it a sacrifice. “It’s my mission,” she tells CGTN’s Wang Qianhui. ❤️
Thanks to their grind:
- They launched the biggest ALS data hub ever, pooling patient info to speed up research.
- Over 40 drug pipelines are now in various clinical trial stages—think of it as beta-testing life-saving apps in real time.
- Stories of hope are spreading on social media, breaking myths and connecting patients across the Chinese mainland.
For tech-savvy young pros in South and Southeast Asia, Duan’s story hits close to home. It’s about using innovation, networking, and a dash of hustle to tackle challenges head-on. Whether you’re coding the next big app or championing a social cause, their journey is a reminder: real impact starts when we turn personal pain into collective progress. 🌏💡
So, next time you see #ALS trending, remember Cai Lei and Duan Rui. They’re proof that with grit, data, and a supportive community, even the toughest narratives can be rewritten. 💪
Reference(s):
cgtn.com