A 28-year-old Hong Kong man who donated HK$800,000 to a children’s cancer fund while he was himself battling terminal cancer has died, his family announced on Thursday.
Gabriel Yeung, who was diagnosed with stomach and liver cancer last year, announced his donation to the Children’s Cancer Foundation Hong Kong last October.
“I would like to leave what I can’t take away to the children who are bravely fighting against cancer,” Yeung said in a Facebook post last year. “Because they are supposed to be enjoying a carefree childhood, but they have to face the hardship of going through cancer, that’s why I’ve decided to support them.”
His decision attracted widespread appreciation online, with thousands of people liking and sharing the Facebook post and expressing respect for Yeung. According to local media, Yeung was a graduate of the University of Hong Kong and worked in the financial sector.
On Thursday, his family posted on social media that Yeung had died peacefully in late March in the company of his loved ones.
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone for your support of Gabriel, ” the post read.
Vera Chin, CEO of Children’s Cancer Foundation Hong Kong, told HKFP last October she was very grateful for the donation since cancer treatment was a heavy financial burden for families.
“[Yeung] has proposed that the full amount of the donation would be used to sponsor drugs for children with cancer,” Chin said.
In his post last year, Yeung sent a message for all children battling cancer. “Please always believe in your ability to recover. Even though the journey is excruciating, as long as you don’t give up, have faith in your recovery, and perhaps, one day, a miracle may happen,” he said.
“Each of us will face illnesses in our lives, so while you still have energy and good health, remember to cherish it; do what you love and fully enjoy life.”
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