Snack Street Rallies to 'Pancake Uncle' Who's Battling Cancer

At the bustling snack street near Fujian Normal University, students recently noticed something unusual: nearly every food stall – from wontons and tea to oyster pancakes – was using the same QR code.

All payments collected went to Zhang, affectionately known as "Pancake Uncle," who has been serving pancakes here for decades with a warm smile.

Zhang was recently diagnosed with cancer. Facing mounting medical bills, his family reluctantly sold his stall and reached out online for help.

When student Li Mengzhen, a frequent customer, saw the news, she reposted it on social media – and within hours, it spread across campus.

The response was immediate. Fellow stall owners, once competitors, joined in. Some offered discounts or free treats; others redirected their QR codes so that every purchase that day would go directly to Zhang's family.

"Zhang always worked late into the night just to give his family a better life," said one vendor. "He's the kindest man we know."

Students also turned out in droves to show support, lining up to buy food – often far more than they could eat – just to contribute to the cause.

The Zhezhou Village Committee later organized a fundraiser to help ease the family's financial burden, said committee member Huang Duhai.

Just days later, Zhang's wife, Ms. Gong, told Strait News that they had received more than 200,000 yuan (US$28,000) in donations.

"So many strangers are willing to help us," she said tearfully. "I don't know how I can ever repay them."