Eva's death saves lives of 3 sick children
Eight-year-old Eva Kornienko suffers severe head injury when hit by car on her way to park. Her mother decided to donate her organs
Horrible tragedy brings about big hopes: Eight-year-old Eva Kornienko of Petah Tikva was killed in a car accident while crossing the road in her hometown. Korneienko's mother, Natasha, decided to donate Eva's organs to help save other sick children.
So far, the donations saved the lives of three children at the Schneider Children's hospital in Petach Tikva. "She had a heavenly heart," said Natasha of her daughter.
Just like any other Friday, Eva Kornienko, accompanied by friends, crossed the road on her way to the park when a car hit her, causing massive head injury. Kornienko was rushed to Schneider, where she was hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit. Last Tuesday doctors pronounced her death.
Heavenly heart. Eva Kornienko
Eva's father died 18 months ago after battling cancer, and now her mother, Natasha, who raised her only daughter alone, was left to face the impossible – saying goodbye to her little girl.
"The decision was extremely difficult," Kornienko told Ynet with teary eyes, still not fully comprehending her daughter's passing. "It's not easy to part with your child, and Eva was all I had left in my life. She was like a queen; a charming, beautiful girl, who talked like an adult."
Kornienko continued describing her daughter, saying she was "so smart, and with a golden heart. She loved people and had a heavenly heart, which is why I was sad her heart was not compatible for transplant. We hope she will be able to save the lives of other children."
Killed while crossing the street. Eva Kornienko
So far, Eva's organs helped save the lives of three children; her liver was transplanted in an eight-year-old boy, her kidney in a four-year-old boy, and her other kidney in a 16-year-old. The transplants all took place at Schneider Children's Hospital, and were completed successfully.
The eight-year-old recipient of the liver suffered from a metabolic condition caused by a chemical disorder called the "urea cycle", which leads to the accumulation of nitrogenous waste that causes cognitive dysfunctions. The transplant will allow the boy to lead a normal life, and not require a special diet.
The liver transplant lasted nine hours and was led by Professor Eitan Mor, director of the Department of Transplantation at the Rabin and Schneider medical centers in Petah Tikva.
The kidney was transplanted in a 4-year-old boy who suffered from a developmental disorder in the urinary system, which caused him to suffer from repeated infections and damaged his kidneys. The transplant procedure was complex and lasted six hours.
"It was not simple" Professor Mor told Ynet. "A whole hospital crew was called in once we received word of the donation. We're talking about dozens of people, from surgeons to anesthesiologists, nurses, technicians, and many other employees. All the patients are doing well, and we hope they continue to feel well."
