Dying Chinese Student to Give Up Head For Medical Research

Peking University PhD candidate Lou Tao, 29, who aspired to be a history professor, first felt the symptoms of the disease when she found out that she was unable to move her toes in October 2015, according to AsiaOne.

Lou is now under “deep sedation” after suffering from motor neuron disease, which affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, for the last two years.

Her parents signed a human organ donation document on her behalf, and was admitted to intensive care at a local hospital back in January.

“After I pass away, I want to give up my head for medical study and hope motor neuron disease can be overcome soon so that those suffer from this disease can get rid of the pain,” Lou’s last will read. Her supporters were able to raise 1 million yuan ($151,377) to help fund her treatment.

However, the Chinese student specified in her will that she wanted to “leave with dignity,” and that she refused to have a funeral wake. In addition, Lou did not want to accept any condolence money from friends and family.

“Please let me leave quietly, without a trace, just as if I have never been in this world,” Lou said in her will.

She has come to accept her death as she left the message, “The meaning of life is not determined by how long or short one lives; rather, it is measured by the quality of one’s life.”

While Lou’s life was cut short prematurely, her final good deed will not easily be forgotten as it leaves a lasting impact that gives meaning to her 29 years of existence.