A father's lifelong "repayment" for his daughter

After losing his daughter to cancer, Zhang Tongchuan transformed his restaurant into a hub, assisting hundreds of families with sick children, ensuring his grief wasn't in vain.

In his restaurant near the Shandong Provincial Cancer Hospital, Zhang prepares a bowl of noodles with two extra eggs for a newly admitted young boy. Afterward, he helps a family from Shaanxi register for a medical examination, guiding them through insurance procedures and payment via video call.

That morning, Zhang assisted 5 or 6 other patients with various tasks, from collecting prescriptions and scheduling tests to paying hospital bills. These acts of kindness have become his daily routine for the past two years, offering support to families navigating childhood illness.

Zhang Tongchuan, originally from Shaanxi. Photo: *Paper*

Zhang maintains a group chat for families of patients. His message is always: "Just find me. When you need me, I'll help wholeheartedly." As a result, many turn to him first when facing difficulties.

Even at midnight, he answers calls for help. One night, a couple from Shaanxi, grieving the loss of their son, asked him to find a new outfit for their child's final journey. The mother texted, "He liked loose-fitting sportswear, something stylish." Zhang promised, "Even if I have to search all over Jinan tonight, I'll find it for him." By dawn, he returned with a tracksuit and white sneakers, exactly the boy's style.

Beyond errands, Zhang also provides material support. In 2/2025, after receiving a 10,000 CNY philanthropy award, he and his wife decided to use the money to purchase essential items for families of sick children.

Zhang's actions are inspired by his daughter. Six years ago, his 4.5-year-old daughter, Zhang Shiqi, was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma.

The Zhangs resolved to fight relentlessly to save their daughter. During this journey, they received immense kindness from strangers. People offered directions, anonymously paid hospital bills, parents organized fundraisers, and a young woman even dressed as a mermaid to bring a smile to Shiqi's face.

But Shiqi's condition worsened. Shortly before passing away, shortly after her 8th birthday, she left a video message: "Thank you to the doctors, nurses, and everyone who helped me. I wish all the other children a speedy recovery. Goodbye, and please remember me!"

Shiqi's death devastated Zhang. Overwhelmed by grief, he questioned fate. But remembering his daughter's words and the kindness of the community, he found strength. "The only way to repay this is to live for my daughter, to continue this gratitude," he said.

Returning to Jinan from their hometown, the Zhangs opened a small restaurant near the hospital, both to earn a living and to help others. In 2024, he founded the "Bald Dads Delivery Team." Through the team, Zhang teaches fathers how to rent vehicles, take orders, and handle issues.

Since 2024, he and other fathers have been livestreaming on Douyin. Every night at 7:30 PM, in a small courtyard near the hospital, they take turns squatting, doing push-ups, and dancing. Their clumsy movements attract thousands of viewers nightly, with many donating gifts to further support the treatment of sick children.