In a story blending romance and scientific grit, former tech mogul Cai Lei and neuroscientist Duan Rui are rewriting what "power couple" means – literally racing to crack ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) while navigating health challenges. Their journey took a dramatic turn last year when a minor cold landed Cai in the ICU, forcing them to live apart to protect his compromised immune system.
"We’re two lovable weirdos chasing miracles," Duan told reporters this week, describing their whirlwind marriage just three weeks after meeting. While their 2024 health scare made headlines, 2025 sees them doubling down on ALS research through their foundation, with Cai’s tech expertise turbocharging Duan’s medical insights 🔬💻.
What keeps them united? "It’s not the disease, but the fight," Cai emphasized during a recent video call from their lab. Their unconventional approach – combining AI-driven drug discovery with real-time patient data – is turning heads in the medical community. Though still in early stages, their work offers new hope for the 200,000+ people diagnosed with ALS globally each year.
