39-year-old brain tumor survivor saw the struggle of patients’ relatives during his ICU stay. What he did next will restore your faith in humanity

In 2020, Zheng Gang, 39, from Jinan in China’s Shandong province, faced one of life’s toughest battles when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Admitted to the intensive care unit at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, he spent 45 days receiving treatment. During this time, he observed firsthand the physical and emotional strain his own family endured while caring for him.

This experience gave Zheng a deeper empathy for the countless families of patients he later noticed sleeping on hospital floors, unable to afford accommodation nearby. “I knew it was not easy to look after patients,” he told the South China Morning Post.

Creating the House of Compassion

Motivated to help, Zheng rented a flat near the hospital in 2022, outfitting it with bunk beds and basic cooking supplies. He named it the House of Compassion. The flat can host up to 15 people at a time, offering free shelter to patients’ relatives, along with rice, noodles, and oil for cooking. Guests can stay as long as needed, whether a few days or several weeks.


By providing affordable lodging—far below nearby hotel rates of over 150 yuan per night—Zheng ensures families can focus on their loved ones instead of worrying about accommodation costs.

Lending a Helping Hand Beyond Shelter

Zheng did not stop at offering a roof. After recovering, he took on the role of medical escort at the hospital, helping patients navigate registration, procedures, and the sprawling hospital corridors. His work has become increasingly important as more elderly or solo patients require guidance, particularly in major city hospitals where many visitors are not local.

Every afternoon, Zheng holds a cardboard notice outside the hospital, inviting those in need to his home. Over four years, the House of Compassion has assisted more than 300 families. Some visitors, grateful for the support, have even contributed necessities to the home, creating a cycle of care and solidarity.

Zheng’s initiative has captured public attention online. One visitor remarked, “He had been caught in the rain, so he knew how important it was to hold an umbrella for others.” Another added, “He helps those who are burdened by illness see the light of hope.”