Wife of ALS-stricken China e-commerce tycoon refuses divorce despite request

China’s most renowned amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patient, Cai Lei, has been battling the illness for seven years following his diagnosis. His wife, Duan Rui, has supported him in her own way, also becoming a pillar for other families affected by ALS.
After the former vice-president of Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com received his ALS diagnosis in 2019, Cai, now 48, emerged as one of the world’s most determined advocates against the disease, investing over 100 million yuan (US$15 million) in developing new treatments and assisting fellow patients.
In 2022, Duan left her promising partner position at an accounting firm to co-found the “Breaking the Ice Station” live-stream channel with Cai.

Now, 37-year-old Duan hosts live-stream sessions five days a week, sharing valuable information about the rare disease while engaging in e-commerce. While Cai dedicates his remaining time to combating one of the world’s most challenging medical conditions, Duan notes that her platform is generating income to “free scientific research from the pressures of survival.”
Raised in a Beijing family, Duan was independent and rebellious from a young age.
When a secondary school teacher suggested she pursue liberal arts at Peking University, Duan insisted on studying science, driven by her ambition to make world-changing scientific contributions.
Duan enrolled at Peking University, directing her efforts towards anti-cancer research at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Upon graduation, she joined the government affairs department of an international health company. There, she discovered her passion for research but realised she disliked socialising.
Having attained an accounting certificate during her studies, Duan pivoted to a career in accounting. She began with small bookkeeping jobs while preparing for the Certified Public Accountant exams, eventually becoming a partner at an accounting firm.
Duan met Cai through matchmaking in 2018. At that time, Cai was still an internet tycoon who pioneered China’s first electronic invoice in 2013. Duan was eager to meet a prominent figure in her industry.
Cai fell for Duan at first sight. Their conversation about physics and life sciences resonated with him, as he had long dreamed of becoming a scientist.

During their second date, Cai proposed to Duan, stating he did not have time for a prolonged courtship and suggested they “get straight to the point.”
Initially, Duan regarded him as a “swindler,” but she accepted his proposal nonetheless.
They did not have a honeymoon or even time off for marriage. Duan expressed that she shared Cai’s sentiments: “I do not like wasting time on a romantic relationship. It is best to walk the journey together, rather than constantly confirming our love for each other.”
One year later, after Duan had delivered their only son, Cai revealed his ALS diagnosis.
He proposed a divorce, insisting he did not want to “drag her down,” but Duan firmly rejected the idea.

Cai expressed his regret about not being able to care for his wife anymore, lamenting: “I can’t even give her a hug when she feels down.”
His condition progressed more rapidly than expected, according to his doctor. Now completely paralysed and unable to speak, he communicates solely through eye-tracking technology.
Duan has argued with him on numerous occasions, yet Cai remains committed to working 12 hours a day to this day.
Cai has a deep admiration for Duan’s independence. While other family members anxiously awaited their loved ones during hospital treatments, Duan took the opportunity to study online finance courses.
After hiring full-time life assistants, Cai enabled Duan to concentrate more on her career. They became like any ordinary couple, working separately during the day and enjoying quality time together in the evenings.

To further focus on her work, Duan entrusted her parents with the care of their son.
“Should I feel guilty for not looking after my husband or managing household chores? Can’t I pursue my career and live a fulfilling life with joy? I hope other families of patients can feel more supported and liberated,” Duan remarked.
Furthermore, Duan does not want to be perceived as merely the “poor wife” of a rare disease patient.
While Cai’s story has garnered widespread attention, Duan has remained more in the background.
“Cai Lei is remarkable, and so is Duan Rui,” commented an online observer.
“Duan Rui is wise, ambitious, and reliable. She is far more than just ‘the woman behind’,” stated another.