In the midst of their frantic search, the doctors discovered that the child's older brother, Kevin, had the right type of blood. Anxious to proceed, one of the doctors sat down with the seven-year-old boy and talked quietly with him.
"Your sister is very sick, son," he said, "and if we don't help her, she's not going to live. I want to know if you are willing to give your blood to help your baby sister?"
His face pale with fear, Kevin seemed to struggle with his answer. But after a few moments, he said softly, "Yes, I will."
The little boy watched sadly and silently as his blood flowed from his arm through the tube. "We're almost finished," the doctor smiled encouragingly."
Kevin's eyes filled with tears. "How long 'til I die?" he whispered.
Looking at him in amazement, the doctor realized that Kevin thought he had been asked to give all his blood to save his sister. That brave little boy had believed that his act of mercy for his sister would cost him his life. Yet he was willing to do it!