China boy, 12, inspires millions after defying muscle-wasting disease prognosis of living past 3

A 12-year-old boy in eastern China with a rare disease has graduated from primary school in June, defying doctors who had predicted he would not live beyond the age of three.Zou Weiluo, from Shanghai, was diagnosed at seven months with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, or SMA, a condition that progressively weakens the muscles used for movement, swallowing and breathing.Years of devoted care from his family helped him outlive the prognosis, and he could now move his fingers and flex his elbows slightly, according to The Paper.When the first SMA treatment became available in China, each dose cost up to 700,000 yuan (US$103,000). After it was added to the national medical insurance scheme in 2021, the price fell to 33,000 yuan, allowing Zou to receive his first injection.During the graduation ceremony, classmates fondly honour the beloved student in their speeches. Photo: SinaTo distract himself, he asked a doctor to give him a maths problem before the procedure. The pain prevented him from finishing it, but his courage earned him the nickname “little warrior”.As the disease weakened his muscles, Zou developed severe scoliosis that compressed his heart and lungs. In October 2022, surgeons implanted an adjustable metal rod in his spine.Before the operation, he recited a poem by Tang dynasty poet Li Bai to steel himself. Afterwards, he could lie flat, sit upright and breathe more easily.Zou began primary school in the autumn of 2021, arriving in an electric wheelchair customised by his father. His mother, Zhang Ying, sat beside him every day, helping him hold books, turn pages and manage tasks he could not perform alone.The classroom seating plan features hearts and stars drawn by classmates next to the names of Zou and his mother, who attended daily to assist him. Photo: SinaBecause of his weakened muscles, he wrote with the darkest pencil lead to avoid pressing too hard. When his head tilted, his mother or classmates gently straightened it.His teacher told local media that his mother had also taught Zou how to communicate and helped cultivate a close-knit, supportive classroom.Admired for his intelligence, Zou was nicknamed “The top student on a Transformer” after his wheelchair. Before exams, classmates would affectionately touch his head, hoping some of his “high-score luck” would rub off on them.A lover of literature, Zou is especially fond of the martial arts novels of Hong Kong writer Louis Cha, better known as Jin Yong, as well as classical Chinese poetry.An avid literature lover, Zou is deeply fond of classical Chinese poetry and the martial arts novels of Louis Cha (Jin Yong). Photo: SinaOne of his classmates once described him as an eager and respectful pupil who frequently answered questions and inspired those around him.Further ReadingOn June 28, Zou graduated after five years of primary school. In the class yearbook, pupils drew hearts around both his name and his mother’s.According to local media, the family plans to travel before Zou begins secondary school. During the summer holiday, he will also teach his classmates chess online free of charge.His against-the-odds journey has captivated millions on mainland social media.“This is a miracle born of love and courage. Zou’s achievement reflects not only his own determination, but also the devotion of his mother and the warmth of his teachers and classmates,” one observer wrote.