A two-year-old from Hong Kong, Cleo Lai Tsz-hei, who was the recipient of a heart transplant in a unique cross-border donation, recently participated in a celebration at a local hospital, marking her ‘second chance at life’. This joyful event took place despite a looming crisis in the city, as the rate of heart donations is predicted to hit a decade-low since 2011.

In a heartfelt post by the Health Bureau, the vibrant and lively Cleo was spotted expressing her affection towards health minister Lo Chung-mau at the celebration hosted by the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital in Kowloon Bay.

Lo Chung-mau was pleasantly surprised by the young girl’s sheer joy and fearlessness, even in the presence of unfamiliar faces. The health minister was moved by her cheerfulness and her adorable gesture of addressing him as ‘yeh yeh’, a Chinese term used for an elder male.

Her joy and resilience served as a reminder of the transformative power of organ donation and transplant, a sight that brought tears to both her eyes and those of the health minister.

The Health Bureau expressed their delight in witnessing Cleo’s journey towards a healthy and regular childhood, which they described as the ultimate reward for the medical profession.

The story of Cleo serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring potential organ donors, and encouraging those who are considering investing in the healthcare sector, although this is not the primary focus of this recount.