Sadako Sasaki was two years old when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. Sadako survived the atomic bomb without any seen physical injuries. She dedicated herself to running and became a member of her schools relay race, leading her team to victory. However, during this time she started to experience frequent spells of dizziness and fatigue. She was taken to the hospital and diagnosed with leukemia commonly called the “A-bomb disease” caused by high exposure to radiation. During her stay in the hospital her moral plummeted as her future goals started to slip from her hands. Shortly thereafter a friend came to visit her bringing origami folding paper. She told Sadako of the legend of 1,000 paper cranes and how Sadako could wish for better health after completing 1,000 cranes. With every crane Sadako was letting out her pain and suffering as well as the pain of her own family members. She found strength in the ritual and her spirit grew which encouraged others around her to speak of and share her bravery as she battle with the increasing pain as her health slowly declined. Though Sadako was only able to fold 644 cranes before her death, she remained strong and resilient and died with peace and acceptance in her heart. After her story spread money was raised to build a monument in her honor located in the center of Hiroshima Peace Park.