'I can be your hands, you can be my feet'

Triumph together

For a long time, Zhang Guanqiong thought the amputations were her fault. After she graduated from high school she wanted to work to support the family, but her parents were eager for her to continue her studies.

"They worked even harder to earn my tuition fees. My father was unwilling to see a doctor because he wanted to save money. That led to the amputation," she said.

In 2013, she enrolled at Qujing Normal University in Yunnan and after graduating got a job as a math teacher at a primary school.

"My father looks more optimistic now," Zhang Guanqiong said.

"He rides a tricycle to sell corn seeds every day. He is also learning e-commerce. My mother cleans the house to keep it tidy. I'm proud of them," she said.

Zhang Guanyun has worked in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, and Chengdu, Sichuan province, and last year got a job as a technician at a water supply company in Kunming. He quit the job this year to take care of his father. In 2017, the family built a new cement house to replace the old mud structure, using their combined salaries and with the help of government subsidies.

Zhang Guanyun said his parents no longer have to do strenuous farm work. They sell corn seeds and are developing their e-commerce skills to help other villagers sell local produce online.

The son said he plans to help develop the family's e-commerce business.

"In my eyes, my parents are no different from any other parents in the world. Their love for me will not decrease for any reason," he said.

Last year, the couple were designated as national representatives for poverty-alleviation and recognized as family role models for disabled people for their perseverance and positive attitude.

Despite the accolades the couple remain humble, saying a good life does not come by chance. A person must realize their own worth and win the respect of others, said Zhang Shundong. "It's not helpful remaining in self-abasement and misery. Though we don't have sound limbs, we have brains. We can live life to the fullest," he said.