Sadako Sasaki was a Japanese girl who became a symbol of peace and hope after surviving the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. She was just two years old when the bomb was dropped, but she developed leukemia ten years later, which was linked to the radiation exposure from the blast. While in the hospital, Sadako began folding origami cranes, inspired by the Japanese legend that says if one folds 1,000 cranes, they will be granted a wish. She aimed to recover and promote peace. Sadako passed away in 1955, but her story continues to inspire efforts for nuclear disarmament and peace worldwide.