Wei lost the ability to walk and speak, but has regained both skills with the help of rehabilitation at the Howard A. Rusk Rehabilitation Center.  Wei is from China and lost her medical insurance, making it difficult for her to afford her medical bills. 

Lesa Beamer is Wei's advisor and wanted to find a way to help raise money for her student.  She teamed up with Bandhana Katoch, who organized the "Melting Pot Concert" fundraiser that took place Friday at the Missouri United Methodist Church.  Six performers were featured, all of them performing different types of dances and songs.  Aditi Banyopadhyay performed a classical Indian Dance symbolizing "blossoming."  Philip Jen, one of Wei's professors at MU who is also from China, sang "Yellow River," an ancient Chinese song about boosting strength.  All the performers tailored their song and dance to send messages of strength to Wei in hopes that she will regain strength so she can complete her dream: finishing her PhD degree. 

Katoch shares the feeling of being far away from home, which is one reason she said she wants to help Wei. 

"I'm an international and I know how it feels to be in a country so far away from home and I think it's just a common feeling of humanity," Katoch said.

Since Wei had her accident in June, over $30,000 has been raised to help pay off her medical bills.  Coordinators of Friday's event said more people showed up than expected, something that Wei says makes her feel, "so happy and I feel like I am so lucky."