A 7-year-old boy with brain cancer dies to donate kidney to gravely ill mother

We often hear stories of parents sacrificing almost everything for their children – sometimes, at the expense of their lives – because of great love. But what if the situation was reversed, and this time, a mother is in dire need of something only her young son could give?

The story is indeed great, but gut-wrenching as well.

Website KAMI shared the heartbreaking tale of a child’s ultimate sacrifice for his mother, but Daily Mail first reported it previously.

According to reports, a seven-year-old boy diagnosed with brain cancer willingly gave up his kidney to treat his mother, Zhou Lu, of her serious disease. They were both dying, but one could still live – at a great price.

Little Chen was just five years old when doctors discovered a malignant tumor in his brain, just months prior to Zhou’s diagnosis of kidney disease.

The family was initially hopeful for Chen’s recovery; after all, there were signs that he could. But the cancer returned, and was more aggressive than ever. Doctors then gave a grave prognosis: Chen won’t make it to adulthood.

Zhou required dialysis treatment, and Chen needed 24/7 care, so for two years, the mother-and-son pair battled their debilitating illnesses together.

Eventually, cancer took its toll on the young boy’s body as Chen lost his vision and became almost paralyzed, remaining bed-ridden. But his resolve was stronger than before and bravely told his mother, “I want to save your life.”

According to Grandma Lu Yuanxiu, the doctors said that her terminally ill grandson will never recover, but his organs could save the lives of other people – including his mother’s.

“The doctors approached me rather than his mother because of the sensitive nature of the issue. They told me that my grandson would not survive but his kidneys could help his mother and also save two other lives as well,” she recalled.

“I discussed it with Zhou and she refused point-blank, she absolutely didn’t want to hear any talk of that happening,” Grandma Lu said.

Little Chen overheard the heated discussion, adamant that he save Zhou by donating his kidney to her. In the end, Zhou agreed with the arrangement.

The doctors ran some tests, and it was determined that Chen’s tissue is a match to Zhou’s. When the young boy passed away, his body was moved to the operating theater to extract the kidneys and liver in order for these to be transplanted to two more recipients, aside from his mother.

According to hospital authorities, one of Chen’s kidneys went to a 21-year-old woman, while his liver was given to a 27-year-old young man. Hospital spokesperson Yi Tai announced that all three operations were successful, following Chen’s organ donation.

He also described the somber atmosphere before the operations: “The medical team held a brief moment of prayer and silence for the poor child before the transplant, I think it’s fair to say there were very few dry eyes.”

What could you say about the little boy’s sacrifice for his mother? Are you willing to do the same for your family? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.