When rescue workers pulled Cao Jianqiang out of the rubble, the first thing he did was cover his eyes against the sun, which he hadn't seen in 75 hours. Then, overjoyed that his life had been spared, he gave a big wave to cheering bystanders.That joy has been tempered by news that after Cao survived three days without food or water while trapped in the wreckage of Dongqi High School, his foot will probably have to be amputated.
For a poor farm family with only one son, this is devastating news, particularly in a country where prestige and earning power still rest with the male line and being disabled carries a huge stigma. A single well-educated male offspring with a good job can raise a family's standing and fortunes. But most universities won't even accept applicants with disabilities.
"In the future, not only won't the young boy support us, but we old men will have to support him," said Cao's uncle, Cao Biyun, 53, crying.
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