China News Service, Enshi, February 4, (Reporters Yao Zhenfa, Chen Qian'en, Du Dina) - An elderly man in his sixties from Xianfeng County, Hubei Province, had been suffering from an illness for three years without cure. To save money for his two grandchildren's education, he abandoned treatment and committed suicide by drinking pesticide. Before passing away, he left a final message, expressing his hope that his grandchildren would study hard and become successful through education.
In the early hours of February 2nd, Chen Qiaoyun, a farmer from Yecha Village, Huolongping Township, Xianfeng County, Hubei Province, was awoken by her father-in-law's groans. Approaching his bedside, she found Pan Qihou, her father-in-law, in tears, telling her: "My illness can't be cured... I've caused you so much trouble these past few years... The children (grandchildren) are still young, don't spend any more money on me. Use the money intended for my treatment to fund the grandchildren's education. I hope they can succeed." After saying this, Pan Qihou passed away. Beside his bed, Chen Qiaoyun discovered an empty pesticide bottle, realizing that her father-in-law had taken his own life by drinking the pesticide.
Pan Qihou was 67 years old, and his wife had passed away many years ago. In July 2008, Pan Qihou was diagnosed with malignant tumor. Despite receiving treatment from various sources, there was no improvement in his condition. Chen Qiaoyun’s husband, Pan Zhongxiang, was Pan Qihou's youngest son. In 2011, Pan Zhongxiang suffered from liver disease and sought treatment at several hospitals, accumulating a large amount of debt before passing away on November 7, 2011. Since then, Chen Qiaoyun has been living with Pan Qihou, raising their 15-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter.
A series of misfortunes drained the family's savings of over 60,000 yuan and accumulated debts of 140,000 yuan, leaving even basic necessities like firewood, rice, oil, and salt unaffordable. Neighbors and relatives have extended a helping hand, but the astronomical medical expenses remain beyond reach.
According to Qin Xingkuan, the Party Secretary of Yecha Village, Huolongping Township, Xianfeng County, since Pan Qihou's eldest son, Pan Zhongming, is working out of town and cannot be reached, and Chen Qiaoyun lacks the means to arrange a proper burial, the village is currently organizing donations of money and goods from villagers to help handle the elder's funeral arrangements.
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Note: Some parts of the original Chinese text contained broken links or irrelevant content which were omitted in the translation for clarity and relevance.