What Zhao can do is to reflect on the experience that he has in fighting this disease, which he says, when he thinks about it, is not all bad. He did learn to spend time more effectively when he was alone at the hospital. He learned how to play guitar, read a lot of books, and watched a lot of American and British TV dramas, to which he attributed the progress that he had made in his English-language skills.

More importantly, he learned how to deal with difficulties, and has gained a lot of strength and power along the way. And he wanted to share that with a larger audience.

"I know the world can be a very tough place; it's not all a fairy tale," Zhao said in his speech. "But don't let that get you down. Let every minute count and you will find that the pain you have endured is just a small part of your life. It is up to you to paint the blank parts of life's canvas."

There is a song that resonates a lot with Zhao — Lonely Warrior by Hong Kong singer Eason Chan — especially the lyrics that say, "A hero isn't always someone who stands in the light." Zhao also considers himself to be a lonely warrior. Even though he received support from his parents and friends along his journey, the majority of it he traveled alone.

"Others may give you strength, but only you can win the battle," he said in his presentation. "And when you do, a crack will appear in the room of darkness, and light will begin to pour in."

Now that he has finally stepped out of the darkness and into the light, Zhao has learned to appreciate the little things in his life. Even though he is fully aware that his physical condition will continue to throw up challenges in the future, he chooses not to let that weigh him down and to see the better part of life.

"I will pay more attention to the scenery along the way and cherish every soul that may cross paths with mine," he says. "Suffering is not worthy of praise, but we, who bravely go forward, are."