May 20, 2025 | [City], [State] — In an extraordinary act of maternal love and bravery, a mother has undergone an agonizing surgical procedure, donating her own skin to save her severely injured son.
Thirty-two-year-old Maria Hernandez, a single mother from [City], did not hesitate when doctors told her that her 7-year-old son, Daniel, needed immediate skin grafts to survive after sustaining third-degree burns in a tragic house fire.
“When they said they needed skin to cover the burns or he might not make it, I said, ‘Take mine,’” Maria recalled, holding back tears. “He’s my whole world.”
Daniel suffered burns on over 40% of his body when a kitchen fire erupted late last month. Despite firefighters’ swift response, the boy was trapped for several minutes and suffered extensive skin damage. With time running out and the hospital’s donor bank short on compatible tissue, Maria volunteered to become a living donor.
In a rare but life-saving procedure, doctors removed large sections of skin from Maria’s thighs and back to graft onto Daniel’s body. The surgeries took place over several hours at [Hospital Name], where a team of surgeons and trauma specialists worked around the clock.
“She was incredibly brave,” said Dr. Elaine Moore, the lead surgeon on the case. “This kind of procedure is extremely painful and emotionally taxing. It’s not something we do often, but Maria’s selflessness gave us the chance to save her son.”
Maria is now recovering in the same hospital wing as Daniel. While she faces weeks of physical pain and rehabilitation, she says it’s a small price to pay.
“I’d do it again a hundred times over,” she said. “He’s alive. That’s all that matters.”
Doctors say Daniel has responded well to the grafts and remains in stable condition. Though he faces a long road to recovery, his prognosis is hopeful — thanks in large part to his mother’s sacrifice.
Community members have rallied around the Hernandez family, organizing fundraisers and meal deliveries. A local charity has also stepped in to help cover mounting medical costs.
Maria’s story is being hailed as a profound example of a parent’s unconditional love. “There’s no stronger bond than a mother and her child,” said one family friend. “Maria proved that — with her own skin.”
