On March 17, Xiao Zhen Xie became one of the many victims of recent attacks against the Asian community in America.
While waiting for a bus to arrive, Xie was leaning against a streetlight pole when a man, since identified as Steven Jenkins, appeared and punched her in the face.
In response, Xie found a piece of wood in the street and struck Jenkins with it, who was later taken to the hospital on a stretcher with a bloodied face and handcuffs.
You can watch a video of the original event here:
Xie was left with two black eyes, one of which bled uncontrollably and without stopping, as well as a swollen wrist and other injuries.
Xie's family set up a GoFundMe with the goal of raising $50,000 for medical bills and therapy. Though her health insurance would cover some of the costs, many of Xie's injuries would not be paid for, let alone the therapy she needed after the assault.
After the incident, John Chen, Xie's grandson, stated:
"She has been severely affected mentally, physically, and emotionally."
"She also stated that she is afraid to step out of her home from now on. This traumatic event has left her with PTSD."
Though the family only aimed to raise $50,000, the GoFundMe account now boasts more than $930,000.
Heartwarmingly, Xie has decided to donate all of the funds to "combat racism."
Chen explained in a GoFundMe update:
"Hate crimes towards Asians is nothing new. It has happened since the first Asian immigrants arrived in America."
"But during the pandemic, hate crimes towards the AAPI community have accelerated at an alarming rate. Just the thought of leaving your house and being killed or seriously injured for being Asian is an extremely disturbing thought."
"Just last week numerous hate crimes towards the AAPI community have been recorded, I can only imagine the overwhelming amount of hate crimes that aren't recorded."
"All the hatred that is happening towards the AAPI community has deeply angered and saddened our family. The AAPI community is bleeding from this violence and hatred. We as a community cannot stay silent nor be silenced anymore."
Chen then described what his family hopes to do about it.
"That is why our family plans to donate ALL funds generated in this GoFundMe to help the AAPI community recover, and combat racism."
"When we visited our grandma yesterday and today her overall mental and physical health has improved. Her eye is no longer swelled to the point of not being able to open it. She is now starting to feel optimistic again and is in better spirits."
"She said we must not submit to racism and we must fight to the death if necessary."
"She also stated multiple times to donate all the funds generated in this GoFundMe back to the Asian American community to combat racism."
"She insists on making this decision saying this issue is bigger than Her."
"This is my grandma, grandpa, and our family's decision. We hope everyone can understand our decision."
Twitter was overwhelmed with Xie's decision.
Though those who donated to the GoFundMe intended for the money to go to Xie and her family, they surely can't help but admire her desire to give back, even during a time when something so personal was taken away from her.
@kileywrestling/Bluesky