Informed by doctors she had contracted a kidney disease, Zhou realised herself and her son had two exceptionally hard battles to fight, but vowed to do so together.
Seeking solace and strength from one another over the next two years, the courageous pair endured months of hospital treatment together.
Having initially required round-the-clock care, little Chen appeared to be on the road to recovery before learning his cancer, which would eventually blind and paralyse him, had returned.
Devastated by her son’s decline and becoming gradually weaker as a result of her disease, Zhou struggled and doctors quickly realised Chen’s mum needed a kidney transplant if she was ever to survive the disease.
With heartbreaking clarity, doctors concluded that Zhou’s son was unlikely to survive the cancer which had slowly ravaged his body, but his kidneys could give his mother a second chance at life.
Having informed Zhou’s mum, Lu, of the situation, Chen’s grandmother knew she would have to be the bearer of devastating news, saying: “They told me that grandson would not survive, but his kidneys could help his mother, and also save two other lives as well.”
Grief stricken by the news of her son’s prognosis, the heartbroken mum refused to acknowledge the situation, but her little boy was determined to have his say, telling his mother: “Mom, I want to save your life.”
After much soul searching, Chen’s mother agreed to accept her son’s gift and days later her little boy passed away, safe in the knowledge his mum would be given the second chance he was not fortunate enough to get.
Aware of the exceptional circumstances surrounding the child's operation, the medical team, who were performing Chen's transplant, bowed their heads for a moment of silent prayer in honour of the little boy who had fought so courageously since his initial diagnosis.
Chen’s kidney was a perfect match and his heartbroken mother made a full and, according to doctors, ‘miraculous’ recovery.
In Chen’s short seven years on this planet, two of which he spent struggling to survive, he saved his mother’s life and changed the lives of two other people by donating his organs.
Chen's story, which has touched the hearts of millions around the world, is one of untold courage and true sacrifice.
