Editorial: Mum's bravery second to none

TK (Te Kira) Douglas- Palmer and his mum, TP (Te Pare) who is also his liver donor. Photo / File

Every now and then you read a story that pulls at your heartstrings.

We had one such story in the Bay of Plenty Times Weekend about 6-year-old Te Kira Douglas-Palmer.

Te Kira, known as TK, was born with a liver condition, biliary atresia.

He had no bile ducts, meaning his body could not digest the toxic substances it normally would, putting other organs, such as his heart, under stress.

At the age of 3, doctors gave him just months to live after his liver began to shut down. Instead of waiting for a donor to save his life, his mother, Te Pare Douglas-Palmer, offered her liver - risking her life to save her son's.

Both faced a 50/50 chance of dying.

Because of his condition TK, has to avoid contact sports, despite a deep desire to play rugby like his brothers.

His internal organs are not protected by his ribs as they are in most people.

Any sudden knock or impact with his body could rupture his organs, causing internal bleeding. He also has to take medication every day.

In spite of these limitations, he now has the promise of a fulfilling life in front of him thanks to his mother's weighty gamble.

She says any mother faced with the same situation would have done the same.

This may be true, but it does not detract from her brave decision.

I'm sure as the years go by, TK will appreciate and cherish his mother's bravery and the invaluable gift she gave him.

It's heartening to see devotion on this scale.