Defen is 34 years old and 7ft 8" tall.

19 years ago she was diagnosed with Acromegaly – a disease resulting from a tumour on the pituitary gland causing it to pump out excess growth hormone (see also: Wikipedia: Acromegaly).

Thank you to everybody who donated to the Yao Defen Appeal. Due to everyone's kind generosity, we have reached the amount we pledged to raise for Defen and in fact exceeded it by several hundred dollars.

Defen and her family would like to thank everyone who contributed to the appeal. Her condition has improved and she is no longer malnourished. She is still taking medication to help her condition but as yet has not been able to undergo any surgery.