Zhang Haidi (R) and her predecessor Deng Pufang attend the closing session of the fifth national congress of the China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF) in Beijing, November 13, 2008. Zhang was elected as new chairperson of the CDPF and former chairperson Deng Pufang would serve as an honorary chairman. Writer and translator Zhang has long been regarded as a national role model for her tenacity. [Asianewsphoto] Click to read our archive story on Zhang Haidi in March 1983

She has been a national legend for more than 25 years, inspiring a whole generation with her tenacity by living a fruitful and fulfilling life despite a disability.

Her words "if your wings are broken, your heart can still fly", are a beacon of hope showing the way forward to those trapped in the darkness of despair.