A girl born in 2009, who lost consciousness and was declared brain-dead after being hit by a car whose driver dozed off, donated her organs and gave new life to six people.
According to the Korea Organ Donation Agency (KODA) on the 3rd, on Dec. 16 last year at Ajou University Hospital, 16-year-old Park Chae-yeon donated her heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and both eyes. Park was in a crash on Dec. 14 last year when she was traveling with her family to a relative's wedding and was hit by a car driven by a drowsy driver.
Park's family decided to donate her organs in the hope that at least a part of her would live on and breathe. According to the bereaved family, Park, who was born an only daughter in Ansan, Gyeonggi, had been active and cheerful since childhood.
In high school, she was so diligent and passionate about her studies that she was elected class president and student body president every year, and she was the kind of child who would approach friends in need first, even with small help. Park's dream was reportedly to become a social worker.
Park's father, Park Wan-jae, said, "Dear Chae-yeon, Mom and Dad were so happy with the time we spent with you. Even now, we can't believe you are not by our side," and added, "I wonder if you can hear Mom and Dad's voices from heaven. We miss you every day. We also hope the people who received the gift of new life stay healthy." He continued, "Chae-yeon, the kindest and most lovable daughter, I hope you will come back as Dad's daughter again in the next life," offering a tearful farewell.