Taiwanese actress Li Yurou's son, conceived after 10 miscarriages, dies at 15 due to rare genetic disorder

Taiwanese actress Li Yurou shared on social media on Jul. 28 that her son, 15, has passed away due to a rare genetic disorder.

He did not wake up that morning, and was rushed to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, Taiwanese media reported.

"My son is gone. Heaven will allow him to walk and run. I will love him forever and ever," 55-year-old Li wrote on Facebook that day.

"He is free," she later added in a comment.

A rare disorder

Nicknamed "Niuniu", Li's son was diagnosed shortly after birth with aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency.

According to the United States' National Organisation for Rare Disorders, people with AADC can appear normal at birth, but most will develop symptoms during the first months of life.

For Niuniu, these symptoms include regular episodes where his eyes would involuntarily roll upwards for as long as 12 hours, and his body would go limp and curl up, according to SET News.

In a previous interview with TVBS News, Li said such episodes happened every four to five days.

Niuniu had also been weak and feeble all his life, and did not talk.

Following the diagnosis, the doctors told Li that Niuniu might only be able to live to two to three years old.

However, Li's commitment to treatment enabled him to live until he was 15.

Speaking to SET News on Jul. 28, Li said his passing was unexpected and sudden, as he had not been exhibiting any unusual issues before that.

A difficult pregnancy

Li, now known as Chen Manfei (transliteration), starred in the 1999 Taiwanese period drama "A Traditional Story of Taiwan".

Prior to having Niuniu, it had been a difficult journey for her to have children.

She went through at least 10 miscarriages before finally conceiving Niuniu and later a daughter, who is now 12.

She told SET News that her husband and daughter were by her side at the hospital when Niuniu passed.

On Jul. 31, Li posted on Facebook that she had dreamt of Niuniu looking "finally healthy" the night before, which greatly comforted her.

Top images from Li Yurou's Facebook