Chinese retiree devotes life to photography after tumour shrinks post-bucket-list trip
After spending all her savings on a month-long trip to Antarctica following a cancer diagnosis, a woman from southwestern China discovered that her tumour had shrunk. Wang Ying, 67, is an amateur wildlife photographer who has photographed more than 1,200 bird species. In 2013, as she was preparing to retire from her job as an administrator at a school in Kunming, the capital of southwestern…
67-year-old Wang Ying, a wildlife photographer hailing from southwestern China, devoted her life to capturing bird species after her tumour shrank following an Antarctic expedition. Diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2013, Wang initially opted to travel to Antarctica to photograph penguins, using her savings and her mother's help to fund the trip.
Despite the harsh conditions, including temperatures of -10 degrees Celsius, strong winds, and heavy snowfall, Wang managed to capture a mother penguin feeding her chick, a moment she described as "very touching." Upon her return, Wang was surprised to learn that her tumour had shrunk since her previous check-up. Doctors informed her that surgery was not immediately necessary, but advised her to continue monitoring her condition.
Inspired by her experience, Wang has since dedicated herself to bird photography, visiting over 30 countries and spending her entire pension on advanced equipment. She plans to travel to the US, Peru, and several African countries in the coming year. Wang's story has resonated with many on Chinese social media, with netizens emphasizing the role of mood and rest in improving health and immunity, and noting the high survival rate for thyroid cancer.
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.
