Although Hope Lee lived for only 74 minutes, the decision that was made by her parents enabled her life to save someone else’s.

Difficult Pregnancy

Hope’s parents Emma and Drew were informed about their daughter’s serious health problem during pregnancy; Hope suffered from anencephaly – a rare disease that impacts the development of the brain and skull. The doctors explained that Hope was unlikely to live a long life after birth.

However, despite such bad news, her parents decided to let Hope be born.

“Hope's parents said they did not want their daughter to die in vain.”

Hope Was Born Together With Her Twin Brother

The girl was delivered through Caesarean surgery in Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, where her twin brother, Josh, was born later.Hope lived for 74 minutes.During those few minutes, Hope’s parents could see their daughter and spend some time with her before the death.

Decision about Organ Donation

After the death of Hope, her parents consented to the donation of her organs.The kidneys were donated for transplantation into an adult, while cells from her liver have been preserved for possible treatment of those who are waiting for liver transplantation.At that time, Hope was said to be the UK's youngest organ donor.

Life of Short Duration but with a Legacy of Donation

Organ donation helped the family of Hope give some significance to their extremely painful experience. In their opinion, it was comforting to know that part of Hope lives on in another person through her organs.

This case of Hope also shed light on the issue of organ donation after the death of babies.

  • The baby girl Hope survived 74 minutes after birth.
  • Hope was born in Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge.
  • Her kidneys were donated to an adult patient.
  • Liver cells were preserved.
  • Hope became known as the UK's youngest organ donor.

Remembering Baby Hope

Though Hope had an incredibly short life, her parents' decision to donate her organs gave a chance to create a legacy of the baby girl.