Mandopop diva Coco Lee was born into an ordeal that continued to be a part of her life until her last breath. She has been plagued with medical issues throughout her life. Despite that, she has gone on to achieve incredible professional success.
Medical misalignment during Coco Lee’s birth led to her left leg being dislocated, leaving her with a permanent limp. Despite warnings from doctors, Coco refused to let her medical condition deter her passion for performing and dancing.
A Failed Childhood Surgery
Coco underwent an unsuccessful procedure to rectify her leg dislocation when she was about two years old. This incident left her deeply traumatised. Being all alone in the hospital post-surgery with fears of never being able to walk or dance again scarred her.
She admitted to still being traumatised by this event and this fear held her back from considering any further surgery. She chose to live with her pain, focusing on taking care of herself and pushing on with her world tour.
Dancing Against Odds: The Pain of Performance
She relied heavily on her right leg to support herself while singing and dancing. Each rehearsal or concert left her in excruciating pain. However, she performed for years by sheer willpower, against medical predictions that her condition would make it impossible for her to dance.
Her condition flared up after a vigorous rehearsal in October, affecting her ability to live a normal life. Despite the debilitating pain, Coco maintained that dancing was when she felt happiest and pain-free.
Finally Facing Her Fear
After decades of living with the pain, Coco made the difficult decision to undergo surgery to fix her old injury earlier this year in February. Despite her fear and weakness, she faced the surgery and challenges bravely, hoping to return to the stage soon.
Secret Battle with Cancer
Adding to her medical struggles, Coco was diagnosed with breast cancer. She quietly battled this illness, undergoing surgery without letting her fans or family worry. She was a true fighter, juggling her cancer treatment and recovery from her leg surgery while keeping her condition private. Throughout this time, she was battling with depression as well.
Coco’s Sudden Passing: A Shocking Reveal
Coco’s life came to a tragic end on July 5, following a suicide attempt. Her death shocked fans and friends, revealing the silent battles she had been fighting. Her friend and producer, Jae Chong, and her sister and ex-manager, Nancy, confirmed her secret battle with cancer, further emphasising the numerous medical challenges she had been dealing with.
A Career Filled with Passion
Despite her health issues, Coco was described as a very positive person who gave her all to her career. Performing was her calling, and she strived to excel in all she did, always sharing good news and not the bad.
An Emotional Struggle
While she battled her physical conditions, Coco was also dealing with emotional strife. Her marriage with Canadian businessman Bruce Rockowitz was reportedly in trouble and they were planning to start divorce proceedings.
Coco’s medical and personal challenges portray a heartbreaking tale of a beloved diva who, despite her struggles, never lost her will to perform. Her life and sudden death serve as a reminder of the unseen battles that individuals may be fighting, emphasising the importance of empathy and understanding.
Photo credit: AP
