Kim Ha-eum, an 11-year-old girl who fell into a brain-dead state due to meningitis, gave new life to four patients through organ donation and passed away. Born on Christmas Eve and giving love to her family, the girl gave new life and became a star in the sky.
The Korea Organ Donation Agency (KODA) said on the 23rd that Kim donated her lungs, liver, and kidneys at Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital on Nov. 7, saving four precious lives.
On Aug. 16, Kim went to the hospital because a headache that occurred while sleeping did not get better and was diagnosed with meningitis. She was admitted to the intensive care unit on the 18th and continued treatment, but ultimately did not recover and fell into a brain-dead state.
The family recalled an organ donation poster they saw while caregiving and, after deliberation, decided to donate. The family conveyed their intent to donate, saying, "Ha-eum, who liked people and enjoyed helping others, giving life to someone else would be the last gift she leaves to this world."
Born in Cheonan, South Chungcheong, Kim was a bright child who loved dancing and traveling and often expressed love to her family. Although the dream of the girl who hoped to become a flight attendant traveling the world by airplane has come to a stop, the organs she left behind were delivered to critically ill patients and became new hope.
Her mother, Yang Areum, offered a final farewell, saying, "Ha-eum. Are you doing well? I'm so sorry I let you go first. In heaven, do everything you want and be at ease. I will live well, cherishing the warmth you gave me. Let's be sure to meet again next time and be together for a long, long time. I miss you so much, and I love you."