Tingting cries for help, tied to a bed at her home in Linyi city, Pingyi county, East China's Shandong province on Tuesday. Her single mother has to strap down the 12-year-old when her daughter is taken over by an unknown illness that causes her to bite and attack people. The mother has consulted several hospitals but none can find out what is wrong with her daughter. The impoverished family is unable to afford further medical check-ups, meaning Tingting appears destined to spend much of her life tied to a bed. [Photo/CFP]

Mothers: Lifelong responsibility and unconditional love