Key facts
- Cai Lei, former vice-president of JD.com, is in the final stages of ALS.
- He works 12 hours daily using eye-tracking technology to find a cure.
- Cai Lei requires four carers for assistance with movement.
- He has survived multiple life-threatening episodes due to his condition.
Cai Lei, a former vice-president at Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com, is dedicating his remaining time to finding a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a rare and incurable disease. Despite being in the final stages of the illness, which has left him unable to move or speak, Cai Lei works 12-hour days using eye-tracking technology to type on a computer. His assistant reported that Cai has experienced several life-threatening episodes, including one where phlegm blocked his airway. The disease has caused significant muscle atrophy, requiring four carers to assist him with basic movements like rising from a chair or returning to bed. The pain and numbness from prolonged sitting are constant challenges.