Altay, China (CNN) - A group of guards in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region have given a teenager a new lease on life.

Ma Yong was born without arm or legs, and was considered a shut-in.

Then in 2004, a new recruit decided to take Ma under his wing, and encouraged his comrades to do the same.

Now 18-years-old, Ma Yong can get around and do things like use a computer, mop the floor, and play games.

CNN