In the bustling city of Nanchang, tucked away in an alley near a cancer hospital, two senior citizens have dedicated their lives to supporting cancer patients and their families in an extraordinary way. For nearly two decades, Wan Zuocheng and Hong Gengxiang have been running what they call a “community cancer kitchen,” a space that provides comfort through food to those navigating the emotional and financial hardships of cancer treatment. Their efforts, while humble, have now gained national recognition, bringing their small kitchen into the spotlight and earning them widespread admiration and gratitude from across China.
“No matter what life throws at you, you must eat good food,” Wan told the *South China Morning Post*. For just 3 RMB, the equivalent of $0.32, visitors can use the cooking spaces Wan and Hong have set up to prepare homemade meals. This small fee covers essential costs and makes the kitchen accessible to everyone, including both the patients and their caregivers. For patients, these meals can be a comforting reprieve from hospital food, and for caregivers, cooking for their loved ones offers a therapeutic connection to home. Food is deeply embedded in Chinese culture, often symbolizing care, love, and familial bonds, making this kitchen a vital space for healing beyond medicine.
Wan and Hong’s journey began in 1993 when they ran a restaurant in a building adjacent to the Jiangxi Cancer Hospital. When the building was demolished, they shifted to a breakfast stall at the same location. In 2003, a pivotal moment unfolded when a couple approached them with their child who was undergoing cancer treatment. “He didn’t want treatment; he just wanted a meal cooked by his mom,” Wan shared. This simple, heartfelt request was the spark that led Wan and Hong to open their kitchen to anyone in need. What started as a gesture of kindness soon grew into a community hub, with additional stoves, utensils, and appliances added over the years.
As the kitchen’s popularity grew, so did the costs of water, electricity, and fuel. However, the community’s response was overwhelmingly supportive, with donations beginning to exceed the couple’s expenses. Today, the kitchen sees nearly 10,000 visitors annually. “We and the patients are inseparable now. For us, without the patients, we would feel lonely, and for the patients, they would encounter difficulties without us,” Wan explained to China Daily. This mutual reliance has cemented the cancer kitchen’s place as a sanctuary for those who pass through its doors.
The impact of this community kitchen goes beyond providing food; it offers a lifeline of emotional support. For many families, the cancer kitchen is not just a place to cook but a haven where they can momentarily forget the sterile walls of hospitals and the anxieties that come with medical treatment. Chinese culture emphasizes the importance of sharing meals as an act of love and connection, so it’s no surprise that for many, preparing food at the cancer kitchen is a source of hope and solace. Research supports that positivity can play a significant role in recovery, and something as simple as a home-cooked meal from a loved one can make a world of difference for cancer patients, lifting their spirits and giving them strength to face each day.
In 2019, recognizing the profound impact of the kitchen, the local government funded its renovation, transforming it from a makeshift alleyway setup into a modern indoor facility equipped with over 20 cooking stations and ventilators. The renovation not only improved the kitchen’s functionality but also underscored the government’s appreciation for Wan and Hong’s contributions to the community. The following year, the couple was honored with the title “People Who Move China,” a televised recognition similar to the prestigious CNN Heroes award. This accolade acknowledged their unwavering commitment to helping those in need and highlighted the ripple effect of their kindness.
“I will help them as long as I am able to,” said Wan, reaffirming his dedication to this remarkable project. The cancer kitchen is more than just a space for cooking; it is a testament to the power of community, compassion, and resilience. In a country where food holds immense cultural significance, the kitchen symbolizes the healing power of nourishment and the comfort of home. For Wan and Hong, this work is not just a mission; it’s a way to bring people together, share in their struggles, and remind them that they are not alone in their journeys.
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