It’s not unusual for people to sell an arm or a leg (figuratively) just to afford expensive things. Of course, such objects are often necessities. No one would sell their kidney just for Apple gadgets, right? Unfortunately, we’re wrong about that. One man in China did just that for a mere iPhone and iPad, now he is suffering from kidney failure.
Back in 2011, Wang Shangkun was just a 17-year-old teenager living in China. Being young, bold, and broke did not deter Shangkun from getting the device of his dreams: an Apple iPhone, or iPad… or both to show off to his friends. So, Shangkun underwent surgery to have one of his kidneys removed and sold to the black market.
“Why do I need a second kidney? One is enough,” claimed a seemingly invincible Shangkun back then. For this, Shangkun received $4,500 Australian dollars which he used to an iPhone 4 and iPad 2. All seemed well, he got his iPhone and iPad as well as one kidney left…

Fast forward eight years, Shangkun is now 25 and he is bedridden for life. In fact, his predicament happened soon after the illegal surgery. He actually began suffering decreased kidney function after that. This led up to his kidney failure:

Now, Shangkun spends his days in bed and relies on frequent dialysis to survive his kidney failure, according to local Chinese media. In addition to kidney failure, Shangkun also suffered renal deficiency which led to an infection due to the unsanitary surgery and lack of post-operative care:

If there is any consolation, Shangkun’s family was compensated with $300,000 after nine people involved in the illegal operation were arrested. Still, it’s not quite enough for Shangkun being bedridden for life, all for an iPhone and iPad.
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