Beijing, 27 June 2026 – A 75-year-old grandfather in China has moved millions online after turning himself into an unlikely beauty influencer to help fund medical treatment for his grandson, who lives with a rare genetic disease.
Zhu Yunchang, from Jiangsu province, cares for his nine-year-old grandson Cao Jingyan during the day and live-streams at night, often applying make-up and testing beauty products in front of viewers to earn income for the boy’s treatment.
Jingyan was diagnosed at six months old with spinal muscular atrophy, a rare genetic disease that affects motor neurons and causes progressive muscle weakness. Doctors had initially told the family that the boy might only live for 18 months.
The family’s financial burden became overwhelming after treatment costs reached about 1.4 million yuan, or around US$206,000, a year. Zhu sold his flat and borrowed money from relatives to help pay for treatment before the medication was later included under China’s medical insurance system, reducing the cost substantially.
Zhu’s daughter, Zhu Wei, also worked during the day and live-streamed in the evening. Seeing her struggle, the elderly grandfather decided to help by using beauty products she had bought and presenting them online himself.
His live-streams have drawn widespread attention because of the contrast between his age and the beauty-influencer role. Viewers often see him carefully applying make-up, testing lipstick colours and promoting products with a sincerity that has resonated deeply with audiences.
Beyond live-streaming, Zhu also learned massage techniques from a hospital rehabilitation department to help ease his grandson’s condition. He now massages Jingyan daily and continues to care for him closely.
The boy has since grown to nine years old. On better days, he is able to attend school and interact with other children. He also enjoys singing and has expressed hopes of attending university in the future.
The story has touched many social media users in China, with many praising Zhu’s dedication as a reflection of family love, sacrifice and resilience.
The Ledger Asia Insights
Zhu’s story is powerful because it reflects more than one family’s struggle. It highlights the emotional and financial burden that rare diseases can place on households, especially when long-term treatment costs exceed what ordinary families can afford.
It also shows how China’s live-streaming economy has become a survival tool for some families. Digital platforms are no longer only entertainment channels. For many individuals, they have become alternative income sources, fundraising tools and public storytelling spaces.
The case also raises a wider healthcare question for Asia. As medical innovation advances, more treatments are becoming available for rare diseases, but affordability remains a major barrier. Insurance coverage, public health funding and social support systems will determine whether families can access life-changing treatment without falling into financial distress.
For Malaysia and the wider region, the lesson is clear: healthcare systems must prepare not only for common diseases, but also for rare and long-term conditions that require sustained support.
Zhu’s journey as a beauty influencer is unusual, but the underlying message is universal. Families will go to extraordinary lengths for care, and societies need stronger systems to ensure that medical survival does not depend solely on personal sacrifice.
