Eleven-year-old Li Zhibo's last words to his mother were: "Sorry Mama, I forgot your birthday. But I'll make it up to you." (CNS/Li Shuanghong)

Eleven-year-old Li Zhibo's last words to his mother were: "Sorry Mama, I forgot your birthday. But I'll make it up to you." Unfortunately, the boy was unable to make good on his promise.

Li, from Zhumadian, Henan province, lost his battle with cancer on Nov. 1. However, thanks to the empathetic child's fervent wish - to be of true use to society - parts of him will live on in the bodies of three strangers.

According to Li's family, he was a healthy and sensitive child for most of his too-short life. Sadly, his life was seized suddenly and cruelly by disease. In order to make Li's dream of helping others come true, his parents decided to donate his organs. The organs were removed on Wednesday; now they will help to save the lives of three more patients in need. 

File photo of Li Zhibo. (CNS/Li Shuanghong)

Doctors pay tribute to Li Zhibo before organ donation surgery. (CNS/Li Zhibo)