A Teen Called “Folded Boy” Due to Rare Condition is Step Closer to Standing Up Straight Again After Risky Surgery

In the vibrant metropolis of Beijing, Jiang Yanchen, a determined 19-year-old university student, is on a brave quest to reclaim the ability to stand upright. Fondly nicknamed the “folded boy” because of his struggle with Ankylosing Spondylitis, an autoimmune disease, Jiang’s resilience in the midst of challenges serves as an inspiring tribute to the indomitable human spirit.

The battle with Ankylosing Spondylitis

© South China Morning Post / Youtube

Ankylosing Spondylitis, a type of arthritis, initiates inflammation in the joints and ligaments of the spine, causing the gradual fusion of bones. For Jiang, this condition manifested in a hunched posture, compelling him into a horizontal position.

According to media reports, the last instance he stood upright dates back a decade, and with the progression of the disease, his neck gradually arched backward until his head touched his back.

Navigating life with constraints

© South China Morning Post / Youtube
Jiang’s odyssey commenced with a rare and incapacitating condition that contorted his upper body into a Z-shape, with his head and buttocks mere inches apart. Standing at a height of just 1 meter, he depends on a wheelchair for mobility. Since his primary school years, he has had to kneel on a chair to read and write.