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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