Saw this very touching photo of a 11-year-old boy who donated his organs after succumbing to brain tumor.
The photo reminds me of what I wrote about organ donation earlier. Suddenly all my recent emotional issues began to feel and look small compared to this boy's ultimate charitable and beneficent deed.
Here is the full story:
Shenzhen, China — The parents of 11-year-old Liang Yaoyi were stunned by his request.
As cancer ravaged his body, the fifth grader from the Chinese city of Shenzhen focused on how he could save others if he could not survive his own battle.
"There are many people doing great things in the world," he said from his sickbed according to the ChinaDaily.com. "They are great, and I want to be a great kid too."
He told his parents he wanted to donate his organs so others could live.
On Friday, the brave young boy who dreamed of becoming a doctor lost his battle with brain cancer. Immediately, doctors went to work removing his organs for transplant.
Hospital officials said his kidney and liver were transplanted into other patients who were suffering from life-threatening ailments.
As his body was wheeled for the surgery room, the medical team stopped and formed an honor guard, bowing to the gurney carrying Yoayi’s remains in honor of the brave boy.
The photo reminds me of what I wrote about organ donation earlier. Suddenly all my recent emotional issues began to feel and look small compared to this boy's ultimate charitable and beneficent deed.
Here is the full story:
Shenzhen, China — The parents of 11-year-old Liang Yaoyi were stunned by his request.
As cancer ravaged his body, the fifth grader from the Chinese city of Shenzhen focused on how he could save others if he could not survive his own battle.
"There are many people doing great things in the world," he said from his sickbed according to the ChinaDaily.com. "They are great, and I want to be a great kid too."
He told his parents he wanted to donate his organs so others could live.
On Friday, the brave young boy who dreamed of becoming a doctor lost his battle with brain cancer. Immediately, doctors went to work removing his organs for transplant.
Hospital officials said his kidney and liver were transplanted into other patients who were suffering from life-threatening ailments.
As his body was wheeled for the surgery room, the medical team stopped and formed an honor guard, bowing to the gurney carrying Yoayi’s remains in honor of the brave boy.
I researched further on Buddhist teachings regarding organ donation and found the teachings of Tibetan Buddhist nun Karma Lekshe Tsomo most profound.
She provides three reasons in support of organ donation. Organ donation is considered a valuable opportunity on several levels.
First, to donate one's body for research or organ transplantation is a way to sever attachment to one's own body.
Second, to place another person's welfare above one's own is a perfect expression of the bodhisattva ethic of compassion.
Third, to donate one's organs with the pure motivation to benefit others will bring great fruits of merit in future lives, enabling one to gain a fortunate rebirth and further opportunities for Dharma practice; if the gift is dedicated to the enlightenment of all beings, the fruits are immeasurable. (Tsomo 156)
I found Liang Yaoyi's final thoughts of helping others to be very inspiring and a great display of compassion.
May we all find the wisdom and courage to donate our organs to save others when we no longer have the need for them.
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