Hong Kong teen’s will to fight illness ‘incredibly low’ after near-death scares
A teenager who fears dying young has narrowly escaped death twice this year after contracting influenza and respiratory virus infection, enduring what he described as his “most emotionally devastating breakdown”. Chen Tsz-kin, 17, was diagnosed with the incurable muscle-wasting disease at the age of 18 months and was told that people with the condition had an average life expectancy of 18. In a…
A 17-year-old Hong Kong teen, Chen Tsz-kin, whose life is increasingly threatened by a muscle-wasting disease, has faced two near-death experiences this year. Diagnosed with the incurable condition at 18 months, he was told people with it typically live only 18 years. In a Facebook post, Chen detailed how his "most emotionally devastating breakdown" unfolded after contracting influenza A and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
He endured chest pain, fever, and flu-like symptoms, describing the latest episode as a serious setback. X-rays revealed patchiness in his lungs. Despite the ordeal, Chen's mother, Michelle Li, noted that his mental state is now stable. Li added that after recovering, Tsz-kin feels less fearful of death. Li recalled her emotional state during the breakdown, stating she had never seen her son cry so deeply.
Chen currently takes seven medications daily and regularly attends therapy and acupuncture sessions.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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