Four year-old Li Haifeng’s greatest wish was to fly.
The little boy, who comes from a low-income migrant family in China, lost both of his legs in an accident two years ago, but he made headlines last week when a video of him dancing to a popular Chinese tune in his hospital bed became a viral sensation. Since then, his family has recieved nearly $80,000 in donations online to help manage the costs of Haifeng’s hospital bills and at-home care, but what the brave patient really wanted was a chance to do what most boys his age dream of: a chance to fly.
That dream came true when China Eastern Airlines made Haifeng their “pilot for the day.” Haifeng was treated to a tour of the plane, chatted with the pilots and crew and was even allowed to take a seat in the cockpit. Along with the tour, the airline extended its services to Haifeng’s family, offering to fly him home from the hospital he’s currently being treated at as soon as he’s released. It will be Haifeng’s first plane ride and according to those who’ve gotten to know the inspiring little boy, he’s more than deserving of all of the attention.
“Everyone at the hospital loves him,” a volunteer at the hospital where Haifeng is being treated told Sina.com. “His cheerfulness and optimism has infected people around him.”
