When Xu Bingyang’s best friend Zhang Ze became physically disabled at just 4 years old, Xu didn’t wait to be asked to help him get around. Instead, he vowed to become his friend’s “walking stick.”
The boys are now 12 and attend the 6th grade at Hebazi Town Central Primary School in Qingshen, in China’s Sichuan Province. Every day Xu shows up at Zhang’s door to give him a lift to school — literally.
For the past six years Xu has given Zhang a piggyback ride to and from school every day. Not only that, but he helps his friend get around while in school, too, helping him use the bathroom, get his lunch, and move around the school building.
Zhang suffers from a medical condition called myasthenia gravis, also known as rag doll disease. The boy can not walk unassisted and has little control over his muscles, so without Xu’s help there’s no way he could attend school with his peers without a lot of interventions.
While Zhang is eternally grateful for his friend’s help, Xu insists it’s no big deal. “I weigh more than 40kg (88 pounds) and Zhang Ze only weighs about 25kg (55 pounds), so it’s okay for me to carry him,” he told MailOnline.
Zhang says he’s grateful not just for his friend lending his strength to get him through his days, but also for the companionship they share. “Xu Bingyang is my best friend,” said the student. “Every day, he studies with me, chats with me and plays with me. [I] thank him for looking after me like this every day.”
Xu’s teachers say they’re not surprised that this young man is so devoted to helping his friend. He’s often seen doing good deeds and never complains about hard work.
This story reminds us of the old story and song, “He ain’t heavy; he’s my brother!” It’s so refreshing to see a child acting so selflessly to help another. Great looking out, Xu! Keep it up.
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