She Stuck to Her Beliefs -An interview with Song Hee Kang

When Song Hee was 11 years old her mother noticed an abnormal curve in her daughter's back.  A doctor diagnosed  scoliosis, a lateral, or sideways , curvature of the spine, the shape of the letter  "C" or "S." Song Hee's condition became so bad that surgery was  needed. But Song Hee would not accept  a blood transfusion.  "Awake!" asked her about her experience. 

When you were first diagnosed, were doctors able to help you? 

For about three years, I was monitored by doctors, but the curvature in my spine continued to increase.  In fact, it became so bad that my spine began pressing  against my heart and lungs, making breathing difficult. Surgery was the unavoidable next step.

Did you agree to surgery?

Yes. But I was told that the operation would be difficult. By then, my spinal curvature was 116 degrees, which is very severe.  In my case, however, surgery posed a special challenge.  Because of my religious convictions, which are based on the Bible, I would not accept a blood transfusion.

Did you find a surgeon who was willing to do the procedure?

My mother and I saw a specialist in my home state of Florida, U.S.A. However, when I told him that I would not accept a blood, he said that no surgeon would perform such a complicated procedure on me under those circumstances. What is more , he said that I might not live to be 20 without surgery. I was only 14. 

Did you explain to him the reason for your convictions?

Yes. I told him that  my beliefs were based on the Bible, pointing out that God declared blood sacred, whether human or animal.  For an Israelite, even eating blood was a capital offense!  I also showed him Acts 15::19, 20. Addressed to Christians, It says in part:  "Abstain from . . .blood."   This means it should not be taken into one's body in any way-orally or intravenously. 

How did the surgeon respond? 

He still insisted that he would have to administer a blood transfusion. And to my surprise, the hospital said that if I accepted blood, they would not charge anything for the operation.  

Next time: Conclusion of She Stuck to Her Beliefs- An interview with Song Hee Kang

From the Awake! magazine, 2015