Shonan Day 14 Right Now

Elderly Tanyadong in Critical Condition

An 86-year-old "comfort woman" suffers from severe illness without funds for treatment

She is one of the eight Hainan "comfort women" who sued the Japanese government

Volunteer organizations cry out: Save this critically ill elder

Report from Baoting on July 27 (Intern reporter Li Shaofei, photography report) — In a dilapidated house in Wanru Village, Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County, Elderly Tanyadong lies on her side on an old wooden bed, her body curled up, eyes slightly closed, with faint breathing audible through her nostrils. This 86-year-old has not eaten for a week, suffering from cerebral blockage, colitis, rheumatism, osteophytosis, and other diseases. Her body has become extremely weak, and she urgently needs hospitalization. However, there are no funds available.

A Week Without Eating a Single Grain of Rice

"For a week now, not a single grain of rice has been eaten," sighed Tanyadong's second daughter-in-law, saying, "These days, she has only managed to survive by drinking water through a straw."

The elderly woman's daughter and son sat nearby, their faces filled with anxiety. They told reporters that Tanyadong’s health had been deteriorating since the second half of last year. "From October to the end of last year, she was hospitalized for more than two months at the county hospital. But as the elderly person grows older, her condition keeps worsening, especially this year, it has become increasingly worse," said the second daughter-in-law. It was understood that about ten days ago, due to swelling in her lower body, she was sent to the town health center where she stayed for ten days. The swelling subsided, but she then contracted colitis. Limited by the medical conditions of the town health center, they were unable to effectively treat her. On July 19th, the doctor had no choice but to discharge her, and Tanyadong was brought back home.

Since returning home, the elderly woman has never gotten out of bed, her body becoming weaker and weaker, even speaking with great difficulty. "We can't hear clearly what she says; we only hear a 'buzzing' sound stuck in her throat," the second daughter-in-law told reporters.

The reporter noticed that the elderly woman was so thin that her skin clung to her bones, with visible veins in her arms. When the reporter gently touched her hand, it felt icy cold.

"Previously, she often told us about the Japanese invasion, but since she got sick last year, she talks very little," said the second daughter-in-law.

It is known that Elderly Tanyadong has six sons and one daughter, all living in rural areas and farming with meager incomes. "We thought about taking her to a big hospital for treatment, but we don't have the money!" sighed the second daughter-in-law. However, the elderly woman's condition could not wait any longer. "Every day without eating, just drinking water, how long can she hold out?" asked Chen Houzhi of the Red Cross volunteer organization, full of helplessness. He served as the reporter's guide during this trip. This man, who started volunteering in 1986, has long focused on the lives of Hainan comfort women, including Elderly Tanyadong.

Save This Critically Ill Elderly Woman

In July 2001, eight comfort women victims from our province filed a lawsuit with the Tokyo District Court of Japan, accusing the Japanese government of the crimes committed by Japanese invaders against them during World War II and demanding compensation. Elderly Tanyadong was one of these victims. After two court hearings, the Tokyo court ruled both times in favor of the defendant. Among these eight elderly women, one has already passed away due to illness, and Tanyadong, aged 86, is the oldest among the seven surviving women and also the one in the worst physical condition. Currently, across the entire Hainan Province, the number of surviving comfort women is already very small.

Chen Houzhi believes that the most significant meaning of these comfort women still being alive is to serve as witnesses to that tragic history of the past. "We cherish them because we cherish our history," he said. We cannot stand idly by and watch these vivid pieces of evidence disappear one by one. Moreover, effective records need to be made for these elderly women.

He further stated that these elderly women, with courage beyond ordinary people, dared to confront their past humiliations and tears, stepping into the courtroom to accuse Japan of its past crimes, aiming to restore their dignity. Although they have lost repeatedly, their spirit commands respect. Now, these living historical pieces of evidence are becoming fewer and fewer. "We cannot remain unmoved!" said Chen Houzhi.

This afternoon, when the reporter contacted Chen Houzhi, he was in contact with large hospitals in Sanya, hoping to save Elderly Tanyadong's life. He hopes even more that kind-hearted people can donate their share of love to help this critically ill elderly woman. "Because saving her isn't just about saving one person, it's about saving a piece of history."

Local volunteer organizations are also calling for society to donate for the treatment of this elderly woman. Donation account: 2201026509024911303, Account name: Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County Red Cross Society, Bank: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. Please indicate “Tanyadong Special Fund” when donating.