Doctors are not the only ones that can save lives. A 41-day-old child, Theodore Omondi, known as Theo, saved the lives of two people after donating his organs.
Theo died when he was just 41 days old following a sudden illness. Although he lived only for 41 days, the impact he had was great. Theo’s lungs were donated to save the life of five-month-old Imogen Bolton who became Britain’s youngest double lung transplant patient. Theo’s kidneys were given to a young adult.
The parents of Theo have spoken of their pride as their son becomes UK’s youngest lung donor. They said, “We believe he would have wanted to help others if he had been able to grow up and make the decision himself. We are proud of what Theo could do not just for Imogen, but also for a young adult who now runs their body with his two tiny kidneys. We know that every breath Imogen takes is a breath for our son. Every birthday Imogen celebrates is also a celebration of Theo’s birth. We imagine how perhaps someday Imogen and Theo can blow out his birthday candles together.”
Sally Johnson, director of organ donation and transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant appreciated Theo’s parents. He said, “Our thoughts are with Theo’s parents and his wider family. They are rightly very proud of the wonderful gift their baby son has been able to give to others. It is incredibly generous to then share their thoughts and the comfort they feel knowing Imogen and her family and other recipients now have hope and life. Their compassion when faced with the terrible tragedy of losing their son, should stand as an example to us all.”
Theo and his parents are indeed an inspiration to us all.
