Being diagnosed with a life-threatening illness is perhaps one of the most terrifying experiences anyone can face. Some survive to share their stories, while others, unfortunately, succumb to the disease. Thankfully, Taiwanese singer Tank (吕建中) is currently recovering from his health condition.
Earlier this week, the vocalist posted on his official Weibo page, detailing his experience of living with hereditary heart disease and undergoing a heart and liver transplant. According to the superstar, he was initially informed that the chances of fully curing were highly unlikely.
For context, in 2023, Tank revealed that the reason for his 10-year absence from music was due to a family history of arrhythmia and myocardial hypertrophy. Previously, the singer suffered a heart attack in 2007 and had an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator surgically placed in 2009 to regulate his heartbeat.
“At the end of March 2024, my condition worsened, even affecting my daily life, so I was admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine for treatment. The doctors told me that my situation wasn’t optimistic and that only a simultaneous heart and liver transplant could completely cure my illness,” he said, before adding that a complicated surgical procedure was also required for his treatment.
Despite his condition, the 43-year-old went on to complete his concerts in Malaysia and Taiwan last year, which later took a toll on his health. “I was afraid if I didn’t sing this time, I really wouldn’t have a chance to do so anymore,” he explained. After finishing the tour, he went home to spend more time with his family as his health rapidly deteriorated.
Thankfully, Tank received a heart and liver transplant last November, and the 12-hour surgery was a success. He told fans that he had been discharged from the hospital on 7th April. “I was brought back from the brink of death, and the hourglass of my life has been flipped. I was reborn,” he wrote. During a press conference at the hospital, he expressed his gratitude to the hospital staff and surgeons for taking care of him, as well as to his fans for their overwhelming support and well wishes.
At the time of writing, it is unknown when he’ll be making his return to the stage, but for now, we wish Tank a speedy recovery!
