A female patient with novel coronavirus (COVID-19) presented a collection of self-made cartoons depicting her battle against the virus to the medical worker who cared for her at the Ninth Hospital of Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak and capital city of Central China's Hubei Province, when she was discharged on February 22.

The pseudonym of the 32-year-old patient is Xiaoxing, and she is a cartoon enthusiast. She was sent to the designated hospital for further treatment when she was confirmed to have COVID-19 on January 29.

Xiaoxing developed a fever and had difficulty in breathing when Chen Baoqing, director of the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine at Xi'an Fourth Hospital and head of the hospital's team dispatched to Wuhan to fight against the COVID-19, took charge of her ward.

Xiaoxing said that she was completely moved by Chen's carefulness and seriousness when they met for the first time.

She recalled that at the beginning she dared not tell the truth of her condition to Chen because of the infectious virus. However, she quickly changed her mind when Chen said to her in heartfelt goodwill and sincerity that he would help her handle all problems if there was something wrong with her.

Learning that Xiaoxing didn't feel well about her heart and couldn't sleep soundly at night, Chen immediately arranged for a further medical check-up.

During another visit, Chen gave her detailed information about the COVID-19 and encouraged her to have strong confidence in her recovery, especially when he found that she had doubts about overcoming the contagious virus and was suffering from consequent emotional stress.

Xiaoxing became more confident when she found that the many other patients around her were gradually being discharged.

She said it was Chen who brought light and hope to her when she had hit rock bottom. She went on to say that she is a fan of Chen, but Chen said there is no need to be his fan. Instead, he hoped she would be healthy and happy in their ensuing interactions.

She eventually found time and regained the energy to take a pen to depict the intensive care given by Chen and nurses when she felt rehabilitated and had reached the medical standards for discharge.

She said it was a pity that she could not draw more cartoons to convey her appreciation and thanks to them because her physical health still didn't allow her to do so.

"The experience has further deepened my understanding of the greatness of medical workers and the significance of human life. I will become much stronger after the release from hospital. Thanks for coming to Wuhan to rescue lives and you are my hero," wrote Xiaoxing in a text message to Chen. 

She went on to say that she will continue with her paintings and send them to Chen and the nurses to show her gratitude for their sacrifice and love.

(Women of China)