Stitches against time

Doctors suggested surgery for Yao in 2009, but the cost was more than 100,000 yuan and the family could not afford it.

Instead, Yao chose a cheaper and conservative therapy: traditional Chinese medicines. However, even that costs her about 2,000 yuan every month.

Her daughter had her first heart operation in January, costing 45,000 yuan. She also needs regular care and examinations.

Yao estimates that the family has spent about 230,000 yuan on medication since 2006. While being worried about money, Yao is most concerned about her children's lives.

"Mothers always want to tell the most beautiful stories to their children. I lied to keep them away from the cruel truth," she says. "I do not know how to tell my children that their mother is going to die."

Once Yao was offered a high price for her embroidery, she began to work harder.

Her husband has mixed feelings toward her diligent work.

"The work brings her some peace and allows her to hang on. But on the other hand, she is a patient, and the work is too heavy," he says, adding that her fingers are always wrapped in bandages and she relies heavily on eye drops.

"As a mother, she has done the best she can."

Yao was selected as one of the 10 most devoted persons in China by a TV program in February. That edition of Touching China, aired by the China Central Television, has received much attention and Yao's story has been publicized across the country.

Yao's family returned to their native county Wuxi in Chongqing after their story spread in the country. The county has started to raise money and offered help to Yao's family, according to Xiong Li, director of the publicity department of the county.

"We have now raised more than 30,000 yuan, and we will keep a close watch on Yao and her family," she says, adding that Yao's dilapidated house has been scheduled for a renovation project.

The county also plans to raise money for the medical needs of her husband and daughter.

"I tried to persuade her not to worry too much and get some good rest," Xiong says, adding that Yao has taken her advice and has become more optimistic day-by-day.

However, Yao has not stopped sewing. In 2012, she started another replica of Along the River During the Qingming Festival but of a bigger size, a piece that would measure 22 meters long and 1 meter wide. She has completed 15 meters of the length so far.

"I hope I can have a few more years to finish this piece and leave it for my children," she says.

Tan Yingzi contributed to this story.