In a world often filled with fear and uncertainty around the topic of death, the story of a 67-year-old Chinese father, Dong, and his daughter Dong Sanbai, stands out as a remarkable testament to courage, wisdom, and the human spirit. Diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer earlier this year, Dong has become an unexpected source of inspiration, not only to his family but to millions of people across China and beyond.
His calm acceptance of mortality and thoughtful guidance for his daughter has sparked conversations about life, death, and how to live meaningfully until the very end. Through the lens of Dong’s life journey and his final teachings, we gain insight into how embracing life fully and facing death with dignity can leave a lasting legacy.
From Humble Beginnings to Remarkable Success
Dong’s story is one of resilience, self-determination, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Born into poverty, he began his working life as a factory laborer, confronting the harsh realities of limited opportunities with determination and ambition. Recognizing the value of education, he devoted his nights to self-study, particularly learning Japanese, which opened doors to opportunities far beyond the confines of his early life.
His dedication paid off when he was admitted to Shanghai International Studies University, a prestigious institution that would set the stage for his future career. After completing his studies, Dong worked in Japan, gaining professional experience and developing a global perspective. This international exposure equipped him with skills, insights, and confidence that would serve him well upon his return to China.
A video of a father in Shanghai battling terminal cancer and teaching his adult daughter to embrace loss with courage, telling her, “Just think of it as me going on a trip,” has touched the hearts of many online. pic.twitter.com/eFbb8s3QMN
— Sixth Tone (@SixthTone) October 24, 2025
Back home, he founded a clothing company, which he successfully managed and eventually sold at the age of 45. This financial independence allowed him to pursue his passions, particularly travel, and enrich his personal life beyond the demands of work. His journey from a young factory worker to a successful entrepreneur is not just a story of material success, but also a reflection of resilience, lifelong learning, and the ability to transform challenges into opportunities.
Facing Terminal Illness with Calm and Clarity
In February 2025, Dong’s life took a difficult turn when he began experiencing severe health issues and was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer. After undergoing multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy with limited success, he made the deeply personal decision to stop treatment. Rather than succumbing to despair, Dong approached his situation with remarkable composure, embracing the reality of his condition while maintaining his mental strength and dignity.
Dong’s approach to terminal illness has been particularly noteworthy for the lessons it imparts about life and death. In conversations with his daughter, he emphasized that the fear many people associate with death is often more about the process of dying rather than the end of life itself. He told her, “Life is meant to be enjoyed. When fate says it is time to end, there is no need to fight it.”
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This statement, simple yet profound, reflects a perspective that recognizes death as a natural part of life, rather than a catastrophe to be feared. Despite his physical decline, Dong remained mentally alert and emotionally supportive, guiding his daughter with wisdom and compassion. He encouraged her to live fully, to pursue her passions, travel, and laugh, even as she prepared to say goodbye.
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In a particularly touching moment, he reassured her: “Do not be too sad. Just think of me as going on a journey. As long as you keep me in your heart, I will always find my way back.” Such words demonstrate not only a profound acceptance of mortality but also a deep, enduring love for his daughter, reinforcing the idea that relationships and emotional bonds transcend physical presence.
A Legacy of Courage, Love, and Inspiration
Dong and Sanbai’s story has resonated deeply with millions of people online, highlighting the profound impact one individual can have even in their final months. Dong Sanbai’s social media posts documenting her father’s journey have garnered over 25 million views in China, sparking widespread discussion about life, death, and how to live meaningfully. Viewers and readers have praised Dong for his courage and wisdom, noting that his perspective on death challenges societal norms that often view it as something terrifying or shameful.
Beyond his insights on mortality, Dong also supported his daughter’s personal choices, including her decision not to marry or have children. He reassured her that her life belongs to her, emphasizing autonomy and the importance of living authentically. This support reflects a broader lesson that courage is not only about facing one’s own mortality but also about nurturing the next generation’s confidence to make their own choices and embrace life fully.
Dong’s story serves as a reminder that courage and wisdom often emerge most vividly in moments of vulnerability. By choosing to face his terminal illness with dignity and by sharing his reflections with his daughter, he has left a lasting legacy that transcends his personal struggles. He has inspired countless individuals to rethink their own attitudes toward death, to value the time they have, and to prioritize relationships, joy, and authenticity over fear and regret.
The father-daughter bond between Dong and Sanbai illustrates the profound power of love, guidance, and shared wisdom. Even as Dong faces the end of his life, he continues to nurture, comfort, and guide his daughter, ensuring that his influence will remain with her long after he is gone. Their story also underscores the importance of caregiving and emotional support, as Dong Sanbai left her job to care for her father, embodying the reciprocity of love and the strength that families can provide in the most challenging times.
In the end, Dong’s calm embrace of mortality and his heartfelt guidance serve as both a personal and universal lesson: life is finite, but it can be lived fully, with joy, dignity, and purpose. Death, though inevitable, can be approached not with fear but with acceptance, and the love and wisdom shared along the way can continue to inspire long after life has ended. Through his courage and clarity, Dong has not only prepared his daughter to face life without him but has also touched the hearts of millions, proving that even in the shadow of death, one can illuminate the path for others with love, strength, and unwavering wisdom.