At 5 years old, Shutong (Tong Tong) had already undergone one open-heart surgery for a serious congenital heart disease. Then doctors told her parents that the critically ill child needed a transplant. “She couldn’t walk or eat and finally, she was put in intensive care,” explains Shutong’s mother.
Shutong received the heart of 4-year-old donor Matthew. His mother described him as “a polite and generous boy with a heart of gold.” According to his mom, Matthew was a typical boy. He liked playing with cars, watching movies, and going bowling.” Yet his gift of life was far from typical.
With her new heart, “Tong Tong” transformed into an energetic child who is happy all of the time. She is now running, jumping, and playing with other children.
Matthew’s gift helped save more than Shutong’s life. “One woman made the decision to become a donor when she heard Shutong’s story. We are so grateful,” says Shutong’s mother.