A young man in his 20s, who grew up with Down syndrome, became a star in heaven after donating his organs to save three lives.
The Korea Organ Donation Agency announced that Kim Jun-hyuk (22) donated both kidneys and his liver through organ donation after brain death at Asan Medical Center on the 18th of last month. Kim was transferred to the emergency room due to difficulty breathing at home on the 13th of last month, received treatment, but did not regain consciousness and ended up in a state of brain death.
His family decided to donate rather than let Kim go without a fight, thinking that even a part of him living somewhere would mean he was still with them. Kim's mother, Kim Mi-kyung, noted, "Since Joon-hyuk has received benefits from the country for 20 years as a person with a disability, I thought it was natural to give back that gratitude, so I brought up the topic of organ donation with the medical staff first," adding, "I hope that through the sharing of life, more patients can gain new life."
Kim was the youngest among one son and one daughter born in Seoul, with Down syndrome. Until the age of 6, he was an active child who loved to walk and play. After 6, he struggled to keep his body upright and fell often due to an unexplained brain hemorrhage, resulting in more injuries.
Kim started using a wheelchair at 7 and graduated from middle school at a special school, participating in activities with assistants for more than 10 years. Though he had poor vision and hearing, being able to see only 20% with his left eye, he loved drawing and felt happy when touched.
Kim's mother cried tears of grief as she said, "Joon-hyuk. I bought you a white hanbok and dressed you in it, and you looked so beautiful. You seemed to be smiling. I will come to see you soon. Please don't be in pain in heaven, and play well. I will always think of you. I love you so much. I miss you."