From the snowy streets of Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang, to the blooming spring in Beijing, Ruzitokhti Yimin, a 12-year-old boy from Hetian (Hotan) in southwest Xinjiang, has traveled a long road in search of healing.

It all began a year ago when Ruzitokhti started experiencing persistent back pain. His parents took him to a local hospital in Hetian where doctors discovered a small, unusual spot on his right lung. Tests soon confirmed the worst: He had Ewing's sarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone and soft-tissue cancer that primarily affects children and adolescents.

Ruzitokhti was immediately referred to Urumqi Children's Hospital, the only comprehensive pediatric hospital in Xinjiang. There, he began chemotherapy. Over the following months, the tumor initially shrank by two centimeters. But six months later, it came back.

Doctors in Urumqi recommended continuing treatment in Beijing, where specialized medical resources and advanced care options are available. On March 26, Ruzitokhti and his father boarded a plane bound for Beijing.

"I hope this trip can make me better," Ruzitokhti told Xinjiang Today. "So I can visit the famous Tiananmen Square, and then go home."

A family's hope 

Facing cancer is terrifying for anyone, especially a child. But Ruzitokhti showed remarkable courage. "I am not afraid. Why should I be afraid?" he said simply, embodying a quiet bravery few can muster.

Chemotherapy came with its harsh side effects. His hair fell out in thick clumps. But instead of despair, Ruzitokhti chose acceptance and hope. He asked his uncle to shave off the remaining hair, understanding that it would grow back in time.

According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for localized Ewing's sarcoma is about 83 percent and that for all stages combined is 63 percent. However, the prognosis worsens pointedly if the cancer spreads or recurs.

Ruzitokhti's tumor is located on the right side of his chest. Tumors in the chest wall are considered a more aggressive subtype of Ewing's sarcoma, presenting unique challenges because surgery and radiation must be carefully managed to avoid harming vital organs.

Ruzitokhti's parents did not opt for surgery. Although people in his hometown in Hetian were all lifted out of extreme poverty in 2020, the family is far from wealthy. His father is a farmer and his mother works as a cleaner, and they also have a younger daughter, so the impact of their son's illness is heavy on the family.

While Ruzitokhti didn't reveal how much his treatment has cost, the burden is easy to imagine. Ewing's sarcoma requires prolonged treatment, including multiple rounds of chemotherapy, lengthy hospital stays and, in this case, long-distance travel for specialized care.

Ruzitokhti initially received care at Urumqi Children's Hospital, which has benefited from support provided by leading medical centers in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. For example, since 2016, the hospital has become the 20th member of the Beijing Children's Hospital Group, initiated by Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University.

This alliance promotes resource sharing across institutions and introduced a new model under which top specialists travel to local hospitals so children can access quality care closer to home. Through such collaboration, Urumqi Children's Hospital also helped build a pediatric medical alliance in Xinjiang, connecting renowned children's hospitals nationwide with secondary and tertiary hospitals in the region.

Because of this network, Ruzitokhti's medical records were accessible to experts in Beijing. After evaluating his condition, the experts offered him an opportunity to participate in a clinical trial and receive free treatment in Beijing.

An adventure 

While it may have looked like a father bringing his son to the capital for treatment, in truth, it was the 12-year-old who was leading the way. Ruzitokhti's father, 57, doesn't speak standard Chinese and doesn't use a smartphone. The phone was in Ruzitokhti's hands, as was the responsibility of translating every conversation and navigating every corridor.

Fortunately, their temporary home during treatment, the Beijing Ronald McDonald House (RMH Beijing), was there for them. Serving as a "home away from home" for families with sick children, three Ronald McDonald Houses have been established across China, supported by funds from Ronald McDonald House Charities China.

Located directly across from Beijing Children's Hospital, RMH Beijing features 10 fully equipped family rooms, complete with kitchen and laundry facilities, to accommodate long-term stays. This facility can host up to 10 families traveling for pediatric care at once.

Traveling long distances for medical treatment is a common challenge in society, said Li Huiru, Director of the RMH Beijing. She was particularly struck by the urgency and care shown in Ruzitokhti's case by both doctors and the hospital's social work department, which is responsible for gathering and reviewing medical and financial documents before recommending families for temporary housing.

Forseeing the family's challenges during the trip and treatment, doctors, social workers and RMH Beijing staff acted quickly to process the application for housing remotely, to ensure that the family could settle in smoothly upon their arrival in Beijing. The staff also coordinated fundraising efforts to help cover the family's living expenses in the city, as their limited funds were not enough to sustain them over a long period.

In the early morning of March 27, Ruzitokhti and his father arrived in Beijing, carrying just 2,000 yuan ($278) in cash and a bag with 50 pieces of naan, traditional Uygur flatbread. With staff assistance, they quickly settled in. After a restful night, Ruzitokhti went to the hospital for treatment the following morning.

Priceless memories 

While receiving treatment in Beijing, Ruzitokhti followed a routine of regular medication and biweekly hospital checkups. What stood out to him most wasn't just the medical care—it was the kindness of the doctors, some of whom even bought him meals.

"At first, Ruzitokhti seemed pretty shy," recalled Li. "He spoke softly, almost a bit embarrassed when you asked him something. But he couldn't stop glancing around and out of the window, to soak in the new surroundings. You could tell he was curious about the city."

"But once he warmed up, he became very enthusiastic," she said. "There's a natural warmth in him, the kind I often see in children from ethnic minority communities. He quickly made friends, took the lead in games and brought the other kids together."

At the RMH Beijing, Ruzitokhti joined arts and crafts sessions and painting classes organized by staff and volunteers. He also visited Jingshan Park, where he looked out over the Forbidden City from a scenic hilltop, an experience that left a lasting impression on him.

On May 30, Ruzitokhti began his journey home to Xinjiang. He now only needs to take his medication once a month and return to Beijing for follow-up appointments at the same interval—without needing to stay long. He is happy to be back with his mother and younger sister, whom he missed deeply during his extended time in Beijing.

The wish he made in Beijing came true: He's back on track to return to school and study hard. But a bigger dream was born during his treatment—he now hopes to become a doctor someday, inspired by the care and kindness he received throughout his fight against illness.

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