Ukrainian doctors at Kyiv's Okhmatdyt children's hospital successfully performed a life-saving organ transplant during a Russian missile attack on July 11, 2025. The operation involved organs from a deceased 4-year-old girl who had been declared brain-dead. With her parents' permission, her heart, liver, and kidneys were donated to save three critically ill children.

This marked the first time in the hospital's history that such a posthumous transplant was conducted. Among the recipients was a 16-year-old girl suffering from Wilson's disease who received a liver transplant. A 14-year-old boy, who had been on dialysis for over seven months, received both kidneys. The third recipient, a 12-year-old girl, received the heart at another medical facility under urgent conditions.

The operation lasted more than 13 hours and took place amidst ongoing air raids and missile strikes in Kyiv. Dr. Oleh Hodyk noted that this was the hospital's first complete cycle of brain death diagnosis, organ retrieval, and transplantation.

Okhmatdyt is Ukraine’s largest children's medical center and has previously faced direct attacks during the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Original article (kyiv)

This article is like a super-hero story, but it's about real-life doctors and patients. It tells us about a very brave and important operation where doctors saved three kids' lives by giving them organs from a very sick little girl who had passed away. This story is not about what you should do or how to do it, so it's not giving you any special instructions. But it teaches us something very cool and important about how doctors can help people, even in really tough and scary situations like a war. It shows us that even when things are really bad, there are still heroes who can make a big difference. This story might not change your daily life, but it's a reminder that there are amazing people doing amazing things to help others. It's like a special lesson about how brave and kind people can be, and it might make you feel proud and happy to know that.

"The operation lasted more than 13 hours and took place amidst ongoing air raids and missile strikes in Kyiv."

This sentence uses dramatic language to emphasize the challenging circumstances. The words "ongoing," "air raids," and "missile strikes" create a sense of danger and urgency, potentially evoking strong emotions. It highlights the difficulty of the situation, implying that the doctors' achievement is even more remarkable. The use of "midst" suggests a chaotic environment, which could be seen as a form of virtue signaling, showcasing the doctors' bravery.

The text evokes a range of emotions, each serving a specific purpose to guide the reader's reaction and create a compelling narrative.

First, there is a sense of sadness and solemnity surrounding the circumstances that led to the organ donation. The mention of a 4-year-old girl being declared brain-dead and the permission granted by her parents to donate her organs creates an emotional backdrop. This emotion is subtle but sets the tone for the story, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the difficult decisions faced by the family.

Happiness and relief are expressed through the successful outcome of the transplant. The fact that three critically ill children received life-saving organs is a cause for celebration and hope. This emotion is intensified by the specific details of each recipient's story, such as the 16-year-old girl with Wilson's disease and the 14-year-old boy who had been on dialysis for months. By personalizing these stories, the text evokes a stronger emotional response, allowing readers to connect with the individuals involved.

Fear and anxiety are present throughout the narrative, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict and missile attacks. The operation, which lasted over 13 hours, took place amidst air raids and strikes, creating a tense and uncertain atmosphere. This emotion serves to emphasize the bravery and resilience of the medical staff and patients, as well as the urgency and importance of the transplant.

Pride and admiration are evoked by the achievements of the medical team. Dr. Oleh Hodyk's statement about the hospital's first complete cycle of brain death diagnosis, organ retrieval, and transplantation highlights the expertise and dedication of the staff. This emotion builds trust and respect for the medical facility, especially considering the challenging circumstances they operate in.

The writer employs several persuasive techniques to enhance the emotional impact of the story. One notable strategy is the use of specific, vivid details. By providing precise ages and medical conditions of the recipients, the text creates a more intimate and relatable narrative. This personalizes the story, making it easier for readers to empathize and connect with the individuals involved.

Additionally, the writer employs a chronological structure, building tension and emotion as the story progresses. The narrative starts with the tragic circumstances of the organ donation, moves through the successful transplant, and ends with a sense of accomplishment and hope. This structure guides the reader's emotional journey, allowing them to experience a range of feelings and ultimately leaving them with a positive, uplifting message.

In summary, the text skillfully weaves together various emotions to create a powerful narrative. By evoking sadness, happiness, fear, and pride, the writer guides the reader's reaction, building empathy, admiration, and a sense of hope. The persuasive techniques employed, such as vivid details and a well-structured narrative, enhance the emotional impact, ensuring that the story resonates with readers and leaves a lasting impression.