Fred Cheng Defends Moving Son with Angelman Syndrome to Canada for Specialized Care
SingTao · 1 SOURCES1 day ago5 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong singer Fred Cheng (鄭俊弘) has responded publicly for the first time to accusations that he and his wife, actress Stephanie Ho (何雁詩), abandoned their sick child after arranging for their 4-year-old son to receive treatment in Canada. The couple's son, Asher Cheng (鄭讚廷), was diagnosed with the rare genetic disorder Angelman Syndrome, and the family made the decision to relocate him to Vancouver, British Columbia, where specialized medical care is available. Cheng appeared on YouTuber Fion Yung's (容羨媛) channel to address the controversy, emphasizing that their priority remains their son's wellbeing.
Key Points
- Asher Cheng, age 4, was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome, a rare neurogenetic disorder causing developmental delays, movement disorders, and seizures
- The family arranged for Asher to move to Vancouver in June, where he enrolled in a local special needs school in early September 2026
- BC Children's Hospital in Vancouver operates a dedicated Angelman Syndrome clinic, which was the primary reason for the relocation
- The couple adopted an "astronaut" arrangement, taking turns flying to Canada to care for Asher while maintaining their Hong Kong careers
- Cheng stated he can spend more time in Canada because he currently has a more flexible schedule compared to his wife, who has company commitments and Asian Games obligations
- Cheng was born and raised in Canada and is considering studying music therapy there to better support his son's development
Why It Matters
The controversy highlights the difficult decisions faced by parents of children with rare diseases, particularly in Hong Kong where specialized treatment options may be limited. Cheng's public defense underscores how public scrutiny can add emotional burden to families already coping with challenging medical circumstances, while also raising awareness about Angelman Syndrome and the importance of dedicated medical support programs for rare conditions .
The controversy highlights the difficult decisions faced by parents of children with rare diseases, particularly in Hong Kong where specialized treatment options may be limited. Cheng's public defense underscores how public scrutiny can add emotional burden to families already coping with challenging medical circumstances, while also raising awareness about Angelman Syndrome and the importance of dedicated medical support programs for rare conditions .