Often, when we hear words like “children” and “sacrifices,” it’s parents that first come to mind. Mothers and fathers give everything they have — their time, their resources, and all the good advice they can muster — to ensure their children have the best.
But sometimes, sacrifices come in different forms — and occasionally, it’s the child who does the giving. Sometimes the biggest miracles come in the smallest packages.
That’s why this tale is so tremendously powerful. Who knew that such a small boy could make such a lasting impact? His sacrifice has not only saved lives but touched the hearts of millions around the world.
I didn’t think that reading a story could so affect me, but by the end of this, I was in tears. This is one story that will stay with me for a very long time.
Little Chen was just 5 years old when he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor.
But his mother, Zhou, didn’t have much time to adjust to this difficult news: Just months later, doctors would inform her she’d contracted kidney disease.
The two battled side-by-side in the hospital for years. Zhou required dialysis, while Chen needed round-the-clock care.
Initially, doctors thought Chen would recover — but his aggressive cancer eventually returned.
Eventually, cancer would blind and paralyze Chen — but his devoted mother never gave up hope.
But Zhou’s kidney disease had begun to weaken her, and eventually, it became clear that a kidney transplant would be her only hope.
That’s when doctors pulled aside Zhou’s mother, Lu. “They told me that my grandson would not survive,” she told Daily Mail, “but his kidneys could help his mother, and also save two other lives as well.”
Zhou refused. “She absolutely didn’t want to hear any talk of that happening,” her mother said.
But when 7-year-old Chen overheard talk about his mother’s dilemma, he demanded Zhou take his kidney. “Mom, I want to save your life,” he begged.
After much debate, a heartbroken Zhou finally agreed. Her only consolation was that her little boy would live on within her.
Days later, little Chen would pass away. Doctors rushed him to the operating theater where they planned to remove his kidneys and liver.
Before beginning the procedure, the medical team took a moment of silence to pray for the little boy. They then began the operation.
Chen’s tissue was a perfect match, and Zhou made a full recovery. Doctors said it was a miracle.
But Zhou’s was not the only life changed by little Chen: His right kidney went to a 21-year-old woman, and his liver was given to a 27-year-old man. Now, thanks to this precious little boy, three lives have been saved — and forever changed.
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