A woman in her 40s, who fell into a state of brain death, saved three patients through organ donation before passing away.
The Korea Organ Tissue Donation Center noted on the 23rd that "on the 1st, Park Hye-eun (43) saved three lives through brain death organ donation at Yangsan Busan National University Hospital, and gifted hope to over 100 patients with functional disabilities through tissue donation." Park was the daughter of a Vietnam War veteran and a mother of three young children.
The late Park Hye-eun was transported to the hospital at 2 a.m. on the 25th of last month due to respiratory distress but did not regain consciousness and fell into brain death. Later, medical staff transplanted her heart and lungs (multi-organ transplant), liver, and left kidney to three individuals.
Park's family stated that they decided to donate so that she could be remembered as a proud mother of two sons and one daughter who shared life despite the unbelievable situation, especially thinking of her young children. They hoped that Park's last act was a good deed that saved others.
Born as the youngest of one son and two daughters in Busan, Park was said to have a lively, friendly personality, approaching people first to greet them with a smile. She loved cooking and often shared food with those around her, and recently enjoyed baking bread to share. Influenced by her father, a national hero, she would always help those in need, and she was a warm person who often expressed the desire to do good and leave a positive mark whenever news of donations appeared.
Park's husband, Lee Si-taek, said, "Hye-eun, are you doing well in heaven? We will be fine here, so please keep an eye on us from above. You wanted our son to become a professional soccer player, and we will work hard to make that dream come true. Thank you so much for being with me, and I miss you. I love you."
Park's youngest daughter, 10-year-old Lee Ji-min, sent a letter to heaven, saying, "Mom, this is Ji-min. Please be healthy and become an angel in heaven and take good care of us. I will strive to become a good adult. I know you went to a good place after doing good things. You will be happier now that you went after doing good deeds. I love you, Mom."