The morning of October 20^th the Zhang family woke up to find their 9-year-old daughter missing from their North York home.

Cecilia Zhang was kidnapped sometime after midnight from her room of her family’s 2-story detached home. The only evidence of this kidnapping that the police have found is a screen in the backyard, which was pulled away from the upper rear window. It has already been concluded that this abduction is far too serious to have been a random act; investigators assume that such an attack would be in the pursuit for money, but, as of the time of the writing of this article, there has yet to be a ransom demand.

There are numerous possibilities of who the abductor is; he or she could be a relative, friend, or someone who has been watching Cecilia walk to and from school everyday. However, police are taking no chances on this mystery, and are contacting every former tenant of the Zhang home, and interviewing every neighbour and friend.   

The parents of this gifted grade 4 student, Sherry Xu and Raymond Zhang have spent sleepless nights worrying and praying for their Cee Cee to return. “Please put Cecilia in a safe place and let her come home herself, this is the most ideal ending of this case,” says Xu, on their website devoted to receiving any tips or leads on this case; www.ceciliazhang.org

The hope that Cecilia would return in time for one of her favourite events, came and went, as the Santa Claus Parade began and ended. Police came up with the idea that it would have been a good idea for the captor/kidnapper to drop her off in such a crowded and joyful area, and just walk away. In addition, before the parade, a special announcement aired on Global TV in an effort to keep the Seneca Hill student’s case a top priority for Torontonians.

The Zhangs have opened up their home to the media and reporters, laying out many of Dong-Yue’s (Cecilia’s) things- to trigger happy memories and to express what a fun-loving and creative girl Cecilia is. They have been fighting back tears and have relentlessly tried to act strong in all interviews and broadcasts. Xu sends out a loving message: "Cecilia, I know we are physically apart but Mommy's heart has never separated from you, not a moment, not a second."

A newspaper deliverer remarks that his community on Whitehorn Crescent used to be so joyful and friendly, with each house being so welcoming. But now, nobody trusts anyone anymore, and doors are shut and locked, windows closed, and all curtains are drawn. It isn’t a pleasure anymore for him to deliver in such a scene. 

The 4 ft, 11” 70 pound girl has had her case broadcast in all of North America on a successful criminal finding show: America’s Most Wanted. It has also been featured on the Dave Letterman show and every little detail about her story is used and updated everyday in countless news programs.

As with any abduction case, there are some questions that have made their way across other countries: How could someone do such a thing? What reason did they have for taking Cecilia, and will their parents ever get to see her again? This event has left all of North America frightened. Now, no parent wants to lose sight of their loved ones. How can anyone step out their front door and trust this unpredictable and unsafe world anymore? Never mind stepping out the front door, more worrisome is the fact that this kidnapping took place right from ‘inside’ the home, the place where most children are supposed to feel the safest.

As a parent, having to go through each day without their beloved would be dreadful. Imagine waking up only to find out your little girl has gone missing. You have no idea where she is, if she’s safe and when she will be back. Being 14, I can only imagine what kind of a nightmare that would give to a parent. But all Cee Cee’s parents have is faith. They are brave enough to face any new information about their child, whether it is sad, surprising or happy news. They can only dream of the day that their child returns; but they can face the future once the truth comes out, whatever it may be.

We owe it to all parents, not just the Zhang’s to end their suffering and to offer any leads or facts that may help out in any way. Our citizens have already raised $140,000.00 and these funds are increasing by the minute. More tips are coming in every day. If you have any information whatsoever about this case, Call Cecilia’s Hotline at: 416-808-8390 with any information.

Let’s put an end to the misery of losing loved ones; let’s start by finding Cecilia.