Legless man takes care of family for over 40 years

Xi Tiangen, a 60-year-old disabled man from central China’s Henan province, has made a living on his farm with - literally - just his two bare hands for more than 40 years.

Xi lost both his legs in an accident when he was 19. After that, he began using a pair of gloves to help him get around. In 1986, Xi’s father passed away, leaving the family of three with no other provider to take care of Xi's elderly mother and mentally disabled brother. In addition to farm work, Xi had to do the laundry and cook meals for his remaining family members.

Xi’s mother passed away in 2006, and his brother followed in 2015. At his cousin's invitation, Xi moved to his cousin's home. There, he still insists on helping with farm work even though his fingers have become permanently curled due to years of manual labor.

After learning of the elderly man’s story, generous people now offer donations of cash and daily necessities. With their help, Xi lives on a monthly allowance of 130 RMB ($19).