Zhang Dingyu, a 56-year-old doctor, became one of the three recipients of the national honorary title, the People's Hero, on September 8 for his outstanding contributions to the fight against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). At a ceremony for medical professionals at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, President Xi Jinping awarded four medical workers including Zhang for their outstanding achievement during the fight against COVID-19.
Zhang heads the Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital, one of the major battlefields during the epidemic. He and his colleagues have treated and saved more than 2,800 COVID-19 patients, many of whom were critically ill.
"I never thought about being a hero. Everyone has made sacrifices and contributions. I'm just one of them," he said.
However, his contribution stands out. Zhang has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive degeneration of the nervous system that, it is feared, could eventually lead to absolute paralysis and death. He was diagnosed with ALS in 2018 but has never talked about his personal health problem when fighting the epidemic.
