Hong Kong Dancer Mo Li Starts Cutting-Edge Recovery Plan

A Hong Kong dancer paralyzed from the neck down is embarking on a groundbreaking three-year treatment that could help him regain limited movement and self-care abilities.

Mo Li Ka-yin, 31, was crushed by a 500-kilogram LED screen that fell during a Mirror boy band concert in July 2022. Now, he's beginning an advanced rehabilitation program featuring regenerative medicine and implantable microsimulators, tiny devices designed to interact with the nervous system.

His father, Reverend Derek Li, shared the news in a prayer letter, describing it as "a thorny path" but one pointing toward "a precious, glimmering goal." The treatment represents a rare opportunity, available only to select patients, that Mo Li qualified for through his unwavering effort during recovery.

Regenerative medicine works to replace, repair or "regenerate" damaged cells and tissues to restore lost function. The implantable microsimulators are miniaturized smart devices that can help stimulate neural pathways. Together, these cutting-edge approaches offer hope for patients with severe spinal injuries.

Why This Inspires

Mo Li's journey represents more than one man's fight for recovery. His medical team has seen enough progress to believe he has "a chance to reach the shores of recovery," according to his father's letter. That glimmer of possibility came from Mo Li's own determination and effort over the past three and a half years.

The dancer's story has touched Hong Kong since the accident. After the concert organizers promised to cover medical expenses, Mo Li's family declined a separate $1.3 million offer from billionaire Richard Li. Mo Li has since filed lawsuits seeking compensation from multiple parties for alleged negligence.

His father acknowledged that the intensive program will require financial support and perseverance. The family previously revealed uncertainties about funding when a major donor's verbal commitment became unclear last September. Still, they've found a path forward with this new treatment protocol.

The reverend's 174th prayer letter since the accident reflects both the long road traveled and the hope ahead. Medical teams see enough potential that they've selected Mo Li for treatments typically reserved for the most promising cases.

After years of basic rehabilitation, Mo Li is now pursuing the kind of advanced care that could reshape his future, one small step at a time.