This couple suffered the tragic loss of their son from mental illness. But they turned it into something positive.

Despite the latest in medical technologies, mental disorders are universally misunderstood or ignored. Each case has very unique and complicated causes, but that has never stopped Jia Lixian, her husband Tian Guohua, and their platoon of volunteers from running their rehabilitation therapy for mental disorder sufferers at Beijing's Ping An Hospital.

In order to assist patients and their families, Jia Lixian and Tian Guohua decided to create the program after the passing of their mentally ill son. Their program teaches mental health patients a mix of painting, dance, music, and crafts, and the results have been remarkable. What's their secret?
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For some volunteers patience is only part of the key, as courage is required to fully give your attention to those suffering from mental disorders. For example, after the violent knife attacks of a mentally ill man at a Beijing supermarket shocked the world, it's no wonder that at times there are several doctors and nurses are on hand when courses are taught. But such incidents shed light on the many mental disorder cases that are not properly diagnosed and are left to cause further anguish.
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One painting student stated that the reason why she enjoyed painting was, "[Jia] would come teach us even when she had a fever." That's some real dedication.
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