Young mother donor's death gives lease to seven lives

After a 25-year-old mother, referred to by officials as Xiaojing died of a brain hemorrhage in Shanghai on June 3, her family made the tough call to pledge her organs for donation.

The following day, the young mother’s liver kidneys and corneas were removed and transplanted into seven patients.

Thanks to this sacrifice, a liver cancer patient and two kidney disease sufferers have been saved whilst four blind people have been given their sight.

According to Tang Zhaoxiang, the deputy director of the organ donation office, all the recipients are recovering well.

Tang praised Xiaojing’s family for their difficult and selfless decision.

“Organ donation is not widely recognized in China. Since our office was established at the end of 2012, we have had only 26 donors,” Tang said.

“But it is encouraging that people are more and more aware of the importance of organ donation.”

This year, the office has had 21 donors, including six in June alone, Tang added.