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World’s Tallest Woman Yao Defen Starts Treatment
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Yao Defen (36 years old) who is believed to be the world’s tallest woman at 2.36 meters(7.75ft) has begun treatment in a Shanghai hopital to get rid of a brain tumor at the root of her gigantism. Listed at 2.36 meters, she is 5 cm more than Sandy Allen who is currently listed as the world’s tallest woman by Guiness World Records. |
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The hospital is providing free care to Yao Defen who comes from a poor family background. Prviously working at a circus to support her mother, she was only able to receive treatment after her story was broadcast internationally by the Discovery Channel.
Source: ABC News
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May 24th, 2007 at 1:39 am
I watched the documentary on Yao Defen…has she started her treatment
May 27th, 2007 at 11:29 am
man dats freaky
June 30th, 2007 at 8:54 pm
Has she had her operation yet? How is she getting on with it?
July 20th, 2007 at 9:13 am
She needs radiosurgery to eliminate the tumor from her head. That’s the only treatment that can stop the growth of her tumor.
Surgery is not enough…….
August 30th, 2007 at 11:20 pm
Just wondering if there is anything new on Yao? Has she had her surgery yet?
How is she?
September 20th, 2007 at 3:55 am
Have read the other comments/questions on Yao. I would also like to know, has she begun treatment yet? If so, how is she doing? What do you think is her success rate? If she has not begun treatment yet, why not and when will she. I would like to personally give Yao a word of encouragement. The story Discovery Channel did on her truely touched my heart. Would love to meet her.
Sincerely,
Sheila Sargent
September 21st, 2007 at 8:33 am
Just wanted to know if she has had her surgery and if not is the treatment still working for her at her home? thankyou
October 9th, 2007 at 6:12 am
I watched a documentary about this woman and it finished when she went back home with 6 months of medications. They said that she was supposed to have this surgery by the nose to remove her tumor but I didn’t hear about it yet. What happened to her? Did the chinese doctor gave up on her?
November 29th, 2007 at 10:11 am
from the looks of these posts obviously noone knows the status of Yao health. This is unfortunate.
November 29th, 2007 at 6:14 pm
I WAS VERY TOUCHED BY YAO HOW STRONG HER MIND AN INCOURAGEMENT OF LIFE.I WISH SHE WILL HAVE BETTER LIFE AFTER THIS SURGEY PLZZZ HELP HERE GOD,ONE DAY I WOULD LOVE TOO MEET YOU YAO,YOUR IN MY PRAYER YAO PLZZ DONT GIVE UP HOPE.YOUR MIND STRONG STICK IN THERE .ALL THE BEST KISSES XXXXXX
November 29th, 2007 at 9:40 pm
I pray all is well for Yao. She is a brave young woman. What she has had to endure at the hands of other people. I am glad that doctor stepped in when he did. Hats off to him and his team. Hold on fast Yao you can do it.
November 30th, 2007 at 1:42 am
The Discovery Channel needs to do a follow-up story to this. Obviously people are affected by Defen and want her to get better. Does anyone have a contact at Discovery Channel?
December 20th, 2007 at 7:34 pm
i hope yao is gettn the help she needs,an also the vitims she taken helps,i pray for you always,i hope to see an here more about you on tv or on net.god bless thinkn of you keep your chin up,keep smiling kisses,your freind from canada
February 18th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
I was wondering how Yao is doing now in 2008? They said she was going to be having surgery in 2007 and it is now 2008. I pray that everything is successful for her and she can lead a more normal life. It truly touched my heart when I watched her documentary. She is truly a remarkable woman. Bless you Yao!!
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Hi, I to like many others, have seen the documentary on Yao and would like to know how she is going. Has she had her operation and was it successful. I hope for her and her family that it was and that her life has become every thing that she has prayed for. Best wishes to you Yao. I wish you a long, healthy and happy life.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:56 pm
As so many people are touched by this amazing woman, its sad that nobody seems to know the outcome. Where ever you are yao, may god bless you, and your family. You are truely a beautiful woman.
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Is there an update on Yao De-Fen in 2008? Is there a new appeal for aid for tis lady?
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:21 pm
I have just seen the documentary on Yao Defen and was also wondering how she is? Has she had surgery, is she Ok? Will someone please let us know? There are a lot of people out there who are thinking about her and would really like to find out. It’s nice to see in the world today, that we can be so concerned about someone we have never actually met from a in a tiny place in the middle of China.
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:22 pm
I to as well as my Family would seriously like to know how she is doing and like so many others
are interested to see if the Surgery has been followed up at all if not why??????
I noticed a post by enrique stating only radio surgery could help what is this based on and has
the Dr followed through with his promise ?
Wishing her well
David
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:14 am
saw this story was touched was wondering if she had her operation and was it successful also how is she doing.
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:32 pm
I am also wanting to know how she is and I hope that she has received treatment yet I cannot find any information on google. I pray that you are ok Yao Defen. You are very courageous and have put up with a lot of harship in your life. Awaiting results… Lots of love…
April 24th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
De-Fen Yao my heart goes out with you. Here we are living in the 20th Century with medical advancements, opportunities, fundraising, charities organisations, wealthy influential people, and welfare organisation. I am disgusted that you were not helped 100% 20-30 years ago with follow up. I am pleased some generous surgeons came to your aide but a little late. The people with power and influence please put yourself in De-Fen Yao shoes and her family, how would you cope? You have a very caring and loving family De-Yen. I hope that funding assistance will also look your families’ way, which deserves it as well. I hope the publicity has put some money in your direction and if not, they need to get there cash flow in the right direction and stop giving money ($20,000 worth) to people like a Cory a 16 years old to attend Big Brother or offer him money to continue his selfish childish behaviour. There is only one place for Cory the army where he can learn how to be a responsible person. I am hoping that the reporters will provide a follow up on your case as I am very interested to hear how you are all doing. I would like to see businesses on and offline come to your aide provide: special clothing, food, furniture, a home and not profit from your pain through big business and advertising. All the best to you De-Fen and your family. Thinking of you from Australia.
July 15th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Today is Yao De Fen’s birthday - 15th July, Tuesday
- Wishing her a very H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y and many many happy returns!
- All the very best wishes for her
- Will have her in prayers for her treatment and life going forward
- Regards,
Serene and my two tom-cats,
Comet (Abyssinian mocha-brown tabby) and Boy-boy (Bristish short-hair silver blue tabby)
August 5th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Hello Yao,
You are a beautiful person. I was so taken by your story and the strong devotion among your family. I sincerely wish happiness and hope that you are able to beat the tumor!!! You have a beautiful spirit. I am so disappointed that funding is a such a burden, not just for daily needs, but for your medical treatment as well. I have prayed for you and your family. A friend in New Jersey, USA.
August 8th, 2008 at 9:46 am
I only learned about Yao Defen today when I saw a documentary that talked about her life and about the surgery that was supposed to happen in 2007. The last things Yao said in the documentary were something like “I hope that you will still treat me as a patient when I am gone.” And the doctor replied “I hope you can be more patient.” That does not sound fair at all when Yao has been patient all her life hoping for a cure. For at least 20 years as things got worse and worse, she has waited patiently. I would be willing to help in any way I can if I could contact this person and if there are any options. I wonder if there is any way she or someone she knows will ever be able to read this. I left a link to my myspace in my name only in case I can ever be contacted to help or know more about the condition she is in.
I was very touched by her and her family. I cannot compare my life, but I have a grandpa who has Parkinson’s and he is very weak and I practically have to lift him anywhere he goes. But it’s not fair that someone as young as Yao should have to suffer that way.
Really I would be willing to help with funding or any way I could help. Another friend in North Carolina, USA.
August 8th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
I just finished watching about Yao Defen’s lif on tv. My whole heart Go’s out to you Yao! I will definatly keep you in my prayers. I was also wondering if anyone new of a website with more information or updates? Well I will be praying. May God bless you, and don’t give up hope. Anything is possible with God’s help.
Sarah
August 8th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
I teared up after watching De-Fen Yao in the documentary tonight. I rushed to the PC to
find out anything I could on how her treatment has gone and if she has had the surgery.
She has so much courage to go through what she has her whole life. I feel so selfish
in taking for granted my healthy life, our lifestyle in the United States, being educuated
and having access to healthcare. I have to slap myself if I start to complain or feel
deprived in anyway. I can just save that vision of De-Fen Yao’s face and that story to
wake me up. I am fighting back tears as I finish this comment and hope someone can
find an update on her treatment.
Xie xie
Don
Northern California
August 8th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
I was so touched by this story about Yao Defan she seems like such a sweet person may god bless her. I want to know what happened to her the surgery was to take place in 2007 and is there any way we can help if she has a charity we can donate to. i would love to help her and her family.
New Jersey, USA
August 9th, 2008 at 6:15 am
My hope is this young lady stops growing and with her surgery, lead a life, she hopes for. Her family loves her and the doctors promised to do the operation (at that time of the film) depending on the size of the pituatory gland. Keep all of us posted of her situation, and thanks for the Birthday Blessings for our Yao Defan, Serene Pek! Aaron 8\8
08
August 10th, 2008 at 1:46 am
The program was aired on the History Chanel here the US this morning. Maybe if we email the HC, they can find the organization who originally filmed the documentary and possibly get more information on the current status of Yao. If someone started a charity on her behalf, I (and I’m sure many others) would definitely donate to it. I’ll email the HC and see if I can get anymore info on her. If anyone has any information at all, please share.
August 12th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Hi De Fen,
- Hope and believe you have a great time watching the SUPREME Oympics with your loved
ones at home
- Enjoy each day
- Thank you and greetings go to Aaron F Yazzie… who noticed my birthday greetings to De Fen
- De Fen is Cancerian - Cancerian has strong threshold and wisdom plus big heart and broad
mind
- Have confidence and trust that De Fen will be fine and will be happy!
- My two cats … Comet and Boy-boy will purrrrrrrrrrrrrrr and pray for you too (-”
- No worries.. no anxiety…
- All the very best …
Best regards,
Serene Pek, Comet and Boy-boy meow meow…
August 13th, 2008 at 6:03 am
I cried when I watched the discovery channels show about Yao. I have been praying for you and looking for an update. I hope all is well with you and that you are being cared for as promised.
God Bless You,Pam from Washington state USA
August 15th, 2008 at 8:10 am
I hope Yao Defen is ok. I pray for her and I hope she had her operation. I can’t find any updates on her. I will continue to pray for her.
August 15th, 2008 at 8:45 am
I just wanted to say that I was very sad while watching this documentary. Yao Defen is truly an amazing woman. My hope for her is that she can have a normal life from here on . I am the exact same age as her and cant imagine how different our lives must be. She is beautiful and I would love to know what has happened to her. Yao, you have been an inspiration to me and I will pray for you and your family.
August 18th, 2008 at 5:48 am
Maybe we can ban together and hound discovery to give us an update. I have been searching for 6 hours and the last article posted was in Aug. of 2006. Not another word after that. Her website is no longer there either. China lost face and is covering up her story.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:40 am
My family and I just finished watching this documentary and we were very touched by it. I did some research and could not find anything but old articles and images. I was hoping to find that her surgery went well and she that she was now living better than before. Is it possible that due to money the operation did not occur? Did these doctors lie about giving her a chance to live, just to give the documentary a happy and hopeful ending? There are so many rich people in this world; it would be something beautiful to see that some of that money was utilized to save the life of an individual that truly needs it. If anyone reading this post is in the financial position to truly change her life then do so…
August 25th, 2008 at 11:17 am
I, too, have been looking for an update about her and came across a post from someone who lives in Asia. It says that the Chinese government is embarassed about their healthcare system(we all know how proud they are) and they have squashed any news about her. I have read that they (her and her family) are trying to raise money for the surgery. I, personally, don’t believe that it has taken place yet. It is too bad that we can’t get her over here (US) to have it. I wonder if she would be able to travel by plane? hmmmm…..
You know that there are people in this country with the money and resources to make it happen. We just have to get them to care.
August 25th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
I just saw her story,I broke down in tears , I wish she could come to the US for help.It’s sooo sad,I’ll pray for her.Someone should do another story on her to provide an update.HINT-HINT!
August 25th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Wow.
I have been searching numerous sites to find out a recent update on Yao and unfortunately have not found anything, but it is AMAZING at the outpoor of people wanting to help this lady. I too want to help, and just looking at all the people who would donate, isn’t there anything we can do!?
I think there is.
Someone has to be reading these posts that CAN do something.
Set up a world-wide funding for this woman, we will pay!!
A friend in Southeast Missouri.
August 25th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
I’ve been searching for answers about her, hoping and praying that she’s all right. I really hope that the documentary has brought people out to her who can help her but also help to fund the treatment she needs. Her life and her story has touched me. Whereever she is, I pray she is improving. may God bring her the people who can help her. I agree that in a country such as the US, there are people here with the funds to help someone like her. I pray God brings them to her.
August 25th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Defen doesn’t have a tv to watch the Olympics.
Get real!
I just watched the Discovery Channel and also was touched by her story.
I hope and pray for her and her family.
August 26th, 2008 at 3:55 am
Please someone find out about Defen I need to know how she is doing ,I am not a rich person but would help in anyway i can . I only wish her happiness from now on.
August 26th, 2008 at 5:17 am
Hey people. I also was interested in her update which is no where to be found online (which is impossible). This does indicate that the Chinesse govt has put a lid on the story. HOwever, we can put pressure on TLC/Discovery to try and follow up as they have the key contacts there. I have written them an email (took me forever just to find out how to contact them). I suggest you do the same (for Yao’s sake). You can go to this link: http://extweb.discovery.com/viewerrelations
August 26th, 2008 at 5:35 am
could you tell me if she still alive, and how she doing??? I was very upset that this day and age that someone has to suffer and do wthout medical help.
August 26th, 2008 at 6:14 am
Hey everybody. Lets all send an e-mail to the Discovery Channel and aks them too do a follow up on Yao and Im sure it will be presented too her how she has touched so many people and to show Yao that not all people are bad. What do you say?
August 26th, 2008 at 11:03 am
I just sent my email to Discovery!
August 26th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Cmon guys, lets demand some info from Discovery. Lets put some pressure on the govt there.
August 26th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Just sent my email…..so come on everyone else….send ur emails too!!!
August 27th, 2008 at 3:23 am
They have responded to me stating this,
“Yao Defen’s giant stature was caused by a large tumor in her pituitary gland. Six years ago, a hospital in Guangzhou Province removed the tumor,
and she stopped growing. The tumor returned and she was treated in
Shanghai in 2007, but was sent home for six months with the hope that
medication would reduce her tumor enough to allow surgery. It remains
unknown if the second surgery was ever performed.”
To which I responded asking them why no follow up. (total stonewalling)
August 27th, 2008 at 4:24 am
I got the same response as dan did from Discovery. Doesn’t look like we are going to get any extra information at this time, unfortunately.
August 27th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
I am so disheartened that there is not a lick of information about this girl since the Discovery Channel’s program… her whereabouts, her health, wether or not she’s even still alive. How can this be?
August 28th, 2008 at 5:36 am
The show made the Chinesse health care system look horrible and subjective (saving face by refusing referral). Im sure the govt put a lid on it. Very sad.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:49 pm
I didn’t get a chance to watch the program about Yao Defen, but my boyfriend has forwarded me a link of her news. Just like all of you guys, he wanted to help her too but there he didn’t know how to conact her. I then asked my Chinese colleague in Shanghai to call to the hospital where Yao Defen was admitted and ask for any information update they might have. My colleage was so kind to help calling (Today, Sep 01). The hospital told her Yao Defen was left the hospital a long time ago, and there was no contact information about her. I’m sorry about this guys =(
September 1st, 2008 at 5:44 pm
I didn’t get a chance to watch the program about Yao Defen, but my boyfriend has forwarded me a link of her news. Just like all of you guys, he wanted to help her too but he didn’t know how to conact her. I then asked my Chinese colleague in Shanghai to call to the hospital where Yao Defen was admitted and ask for any information update they might have. My colleage was so kind to help calling (Today, Sep 01). The hospital told her Yao Defen has left the hospital a long time ago, and there was no contact information about her. I’m sorry about this guys =(
September 15th, 2008 at 2:19 am
PLEASE DO A FOLLOW UP ON THIS BEAUTIFUL WOMAN. I PRAY FOR HER
September 26th, 2008 at 9:27 am
was wondering what haooened to her an dis there any way i can help not a rich person but will go int o my 401k to help her
October 3rd, 2008 at 1:01 pm
HELLO EVERYONE I WANT TO KNOW HOW YAO DEFEN IS DOING AND IF SHE IS STILL ALIVE I HOPE AND PRAY TO GOD THAT SHE IS AND THAT SHE HAD GOTTEN SOME KIND OF HELP I THINK THAT SHE IS A BEAUTIFUL YOUNG WOMAN NO MATTER HOW BIG SHE IS SHE IS STILL A HUMAN AND AND MY HEART GOES OUT TO HER I WISH THAT I COULD DO SOMETHING TO HELP HER OUTHER THAN PRAY FOR HER SOMEONE IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE GET AHOLD OF ME AND LET ME KNOW HOW I CAN CONTACT HER OR SOME ONE THAT CAN GIVE ME SOME INFORMATION ON HOW I CAN HELP IN ANY WAY AND THAT THIS WOMAN WILL RECEIVE WHAT EVER I GIVE TO HER PLEASE CONTACT ME AND GIVE ME SOME INFORMATION ON THIS WOMAN . THANK YOU TMDATT45@AOL.COM
November 5th, 2008 at 12:49 am
i just saw the documentary and like everyone else here i was very moved.
i emediatly loggen on and found so many responses and people wondering about her.
on one website someone said that they think she has probably died.
i too will send an e-mail to discovery channel to ask for a follow up or any information
but i suspect the chineese government is blocking all information so i guess there is
little dc can do about that…….
i pray for you, yao de-fen.
November 11th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
HELLO EVERYONE, I NEED TO KNOW IF ANYONE KNOWS IF THIS WOMAN HAS EVER HAD HER SURGERY I FEEL SO SORRY FOR HER AND ALL THAT SHE HAS WENT THROUGH I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW I CAN SEND HER A GIFT OF SOMETHING NICE MY HEART GOES OUT TO HER SHE IS A BEAUTIFUL YOUNG WOMAN WHO NEEDS HELP TO COVER THESE MEDICAL BILLS. GOD BLESS YOU YAO DE FEN. TINA
November 11th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
HAS ANYONE OUT THERE HEARD HOW YAO DE- FEN IS DOING ? PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU HEAR ANYTHING. TINA
November 24th, 2008 at 6:21 am
Let me say that she is doing ok
November 24th, 2008 at 10:13 am
I just saw the documentary on TLC here in Arizona, USA. I too was so touched by all the Yao Defen has gone through, and her Mother and Brother. Yao DeFen seems so very good, I truly hope and pray that she is doing well. God Bless. Nora
November 25th, 2008 at 8:25 am
Doesn’t it just figure the Chinese government would withhold any new information on this courageous woman? They’ll probably get some healthy, normal sized woman to claim she is Yao Defen and praise the Chinese health system and how they cured her. I mean the “ugly” little girl couldn’t be seen singing at the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. So I wouldn’t be surprised if they did somethin like that with regards to Yao Defen. I’m so glad I live in the U.S.A. My wife and I wish Yao Defen the best from the bottom of our hearts.
November 25th, 2008 at 11:56 am
It’s obvious after watching this show that there is a huge government “coverup” to save face after denying this woman the healthcare she needed after all these years. It was really insulting to the medical profession when that so called doctor told her she needed to learn patience after so many years of not receiving proper treatment. So sad.
February 12th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Hey everyone, I can’t forget about Yao Defen. We have to do something to help this sweet woman who still has the drive to live despite all of the hardships and disappointments.. We can’t just forget her! Does anyone know what happened to her? Please email TLC to have a follow up story. We have to help her if she is still alive.
Rich
February 12th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
Hi,
Everyone, please contact the Discovery Channel UK per below and ask them to follow up on Yoa Defen.
Thanks in advance,
Rich
Programme Ideas
If you have an idea for a programme or series, please write to:
Commissioning Editor
Commissions Department
Discovery House
Chiswick Park Building 2
566 Chiswick High Road
London
W4 5YB
Or, alternatively you can register and submit your ideas online at: http://producers.discovery.com
February 13th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
If the problem of “saving face” is the main obstacle for the lack of treatment and disclosure of what happened to Yao Defen, then someone who has expertise in Chinese culture with diplomatic communicative skills and connections should convince authorities how allowing her to receive help from outsiders would actually create more respect and support from other countries. There must be a way to help her and avoid the fears/ hesitations of the hospitals/doctors and government.
The producers at Discovery have a humanitarian obligation to try to follow up and/or at least release the home address where the many offers of help can be sent.
February 13th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
When I watched a documentary about her on the tv i cried at some parts cause she seems so nice….And she really is trying and when the doctors finally gave her free treatment I nearly cheered like a little school girl…I really hope she is doing well….I really honestly do.
February 14th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
I really did hope that Defen got better, and I really do hope that the Shanghai Dr. kept his word.
(Shelby, I almost cried too.. It’s so sad.. her life)
But, I have a very sad theory that even I wish I am wrong. Remember, the doctor that diagnose her when she was 15? The hospital KNEW they couldn’t fund her operation but kept the Shanghai Dr’s offer from her cause of face. That’s a shame right there for them.
Anyway, my theory is that
1) The doctor lost interest in her case after 6 months so they didn’t contact her again.
2) They did try to operate on her but failed?
3) They will still like to help her but in 6 months but the hospital departments didn’t want to fund her operation.
As a result, she went untreated after 6 months and afraid of losing face.. the hospital/govt found a way to block the media from any updates.
Remember, even Yao Defen said (near the end of the show) that she knew the Shanghai doctor will treat her because now that he has taken her project on, he mustn’t fail or he’ll lose face. –And he’s the best Neurologist in China (or something).. he can’t lose face.—
So, all these unanswered questions may be an attempt to hide the doctor’s failure or neglect.
I hope my theory isn’t true. One day, I hope I can go back to China to Defen’s city and look for her mom and ask.
I think the only way to get answers without stupid people’s, who’s afraid of losing face, interference or a tv station who has to follow rules to get to the answer,.. is to go there ourselves and find out.
Sincerely,
JiaQi
February 14th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
@GuitarGeek,
Although I do not oppose your theory, since it is a theory. You just stated a theory like it’s fact, and that’s what gets lots of innocent people/places in trouble. That’s quite disrespectful.
February 15th, 2009 at 1:20 am
This is what I heard from a chinese website. http://news.luaninfo.com/2008-09-16/148775.html
Yao received ‘limited treatment’ from the Shanghai hospital in 2006 and stayed at home after that. ( I think it means no surgery was underwent) She didn’t grow much in these 2 years due to malnutrition. She is suffering from intestine disease, epilepsy, etc.. She and her family is still in serious poverty. Beside getting rid of this terrible disease, she also wants to make a ‘real’ friend.
As many of you, I also hope she and her family will do well in the future.
February 18th, 2009 at 5:09 am
i to as very touched when i saw her documentary on tlc one of my favorites channels to watch, she seems so strong and never appears have given up on life nor the doctors who let her down, i hope her operatin is successful and all goes well for her i will kepp her in my prayers.
February 18th, 2009 at 5:09 am
i to as very touched when i saw her documentary on tlc one of my favorites channels to watch, she seems so strong and never appears have given up on life nor the doctors who let her down, i hope her operation is successful and all goes well for her i will kepp her in my prayers.
April 6th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Hi. I was just wondering if there is any news on Yao. I have been searching for info and found this site. God bless all of you who’s heart goes out to this lady.
May 11th, 2009 at 8:13 am
I just saw the programme “World’s Tallest Woman” on TLC (The Learning Channel) and after the show, went on Google to find out the status of Defen but to no avail. I was appalled at the way the Chinese doctors handled her case and at one point, refusing to allow another surgeon to help her cos they would “lose face”. WTF?! I also read more about her story and found out she was made into a circus act where her bosses mistreated her before she finally went home to her mum. Another WTF?!
Anyway, I hope that she finally got her treatment.
May 16th, 2009 at 12:46 am
I sent an inquiry to Discovery Health about Yao Defen and got the following answer:
Dear Viewer,
Thank you for contacting Discovery Networks. We appreciate your interest
in our program World’s Tallest Woman.
Yao Defen’s giant stature was caused by a large tumor in her pituitary
gland. Six years ago, a hospital in Guangzhou Province removed the tumor,
and she stopped growing. The tumor returned and she was treated in
Shanghai in 2007, but was sent home for six months with the hope that
medication would reduce her tumor enough to allow surgery. It remains
unknown if the second surgery was ever performed.
Again, thank you for your interest in our programming.
Sincerely,
Viewer Relations
Discovery Networks
It seems to me that no one bothered to follow up on her condition after this program was aired. If they show it again, anyone interested in knowing about or helping this poor woman should get the name of the doctor who actually wanted to treat her and trace her through him. That’s what I’ll try to do as well.
May 16th, 2009 at 11:27 am
Haven’t heard anything new about Yao Defen. She’s lucky to get help from the doctors. I live in the USA & can’t get help from any of the doctor’s here. Although my situation is completely different from Defen, it seems no one is willing to help unless you are on your death bed. I have been trying to have lapband surgery for ever. My triglycerides & cholesterol are both high, but there is nothing I can do my husband & myself are both unemployeed. Anyway not about me , back to Defen I am very concerned & would like to know if everything is o.k. was all of the tumor gotten out?? I wish I had some money I would love to help out. Prayers & Best Wishes.
The Notafji Family
5/ 15/ 2009
May 16th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
I too watched (2009 re-airing) the story of Defen on the Discovery Channel. Upon the program’s conclusion, I immediately googled for an update on this beautiful woman. I am saddened to find so little information. I pray that the doctor’s in her country did not lose interest in her after the cameras left. A follow-up story would be nice.
May 18th, 2009 at 12:13 am
I just finished watching the documentary on Discovery Health. I too wish her and her family all the best of good health and peace. I would hope that the documentarians would head back to China and get an update, especially from those Doctors. They never really showed a strong commitment to help the poor girl and ther famliy and that is sad since it seemed they were a very talented medical staff with modern facilities. A patient is a partient - no matter the social class. I hope there will be a positive outcome.
June 29th, 2009 at 1:57 am
I read a part of the story; but, she is really tall. Also, I read about the finds that the scientist have discovered about the giants who exceeded 11 metres tall in the old ages. They found their bone remains in some parts of the world.
August 24th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Wow. I just finished watching Yao Defen’s documentary and immediatley I had to look up her story now since 2007 but I havnt found anything.
August 25th, 2009 at 11:58 am
I too have just viewed this documentary. Why has no follow up been done ? Would Guiness Records have an update on her condition? It is incredible what both she and her family have endured
August 25th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
I too am having trouble getting any information on Yao Defen, last night Aug 23rd 2009 Discovery Channel ran an episode of “My Shocking Story World’s Tallest Man meets World’s Tallest Woman” in which we see that Yao Defen has suffered a catastrophic fall (due to her lowered blood pressure, loss of balance) and suffered a head injury so severe as to cause two brain hemorrhages. She is rushed to hospital and later in the episode is then visited by a Dr. Grossman from London to see about her pituitary tumour and is visited by the world’s “tallest man” (Zhao Liang? I can’t remember - will have to re-watch the recorded program) to cheer her up. During the episode she is at first almost fatally ill from her fall, but improves slowly at hospital. They cannot perform an MRI on Yao Defen to get details about her tumour because of the surgical clips left in by the (unsuccessful) operation 10 years ago. The doctor ends up going back to London but agrees to provide some pituitary hormone medications via sponsorship. Yao Defen has to go home from the hospital in spite of her parent’s anxiety because they’ve run out of money. And NO there was never a second operation - she was simply given medicines which soon ran out. It’s a very sad case and this “update” only leaves new questions. I hope I win lottery - I would track her down and help her.
August 31st, 2009 at 5:20 am
I watched the re-airing of the 2007 show and was just sickened. At the end of the show, it was all to obvious that she would not receive the surgery, let alone long term help. It is disgusting that “saving face”, is more important than helping the later years of her life to be tolerable. Shame on all of these American media outlets that have not done enough to make a difference for Yao Defen. The air of secrecy that is surrounding her in 2009, lends one to believe that she is not doing well. How can we demand an update?
September 3rd, 2009 at 4:26 am
i love you,and say to you getbetter soon
September 7th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Somebody do something!!! Why can’t someone in the US (land of hope,wonderful science and compassion) give her the treatment she needs!!!! PLEASE! PLEASE SOMEONE ACT AND NOT JUST GIVE HER LIP SERVICE!!!! DO SOMETHING!