A hairstylist in her 50s who had volunteered for more than 10 years for homeless people and seniors living alone donated organs and died.
On the 13th, according to the Korea Organ Donation Agency (KODA), Lee Geum-mi, 55, donated her heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys on the 21st at Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital of the Catholic University.
Lee lost consciousness due to breathing difficulties at home on the 12th and was taken to a hospital, where she was declared brain-dead.
Five years ago, Lee sought medical care for persistent headaches and dizziness and was diagnosed with multiple system atrophy. Multiple system atrophy is a degenerative disease in which several functions of the brain and nervous system gradually decline.
In her lifetime, Lee expressed her intention to donate organs to her family several times. She also reportedly promised her older sister that she would donate her organs, talking about what she could do for others at the end of life.
Her older sister said, "While talking with my younger sister about what good we could do for others at the end of life, we promised each other to donate our organs," and added, "Our family respected that wish and agreed to the donation."
Lee worked as a hairstylist for about 30 years starting in her early 20s. While running a salon, she attended graduate school and led an active life, enjoying golf and hiking.
She steadily took part in helping neighbors in need. Together with acquaintances, she volunteered for about 10 years to do hair for homeless people and seniors living alone, and she continued to donate to help those in need.
Her older sister said, "What struck me most was friends saying of my sister, 'She was admirable while alive, and she left admirably as well.'"
She continued, "On the day we finished the funeral, I saw a big rainbow in the sky and felt you left well," and mourned the deceased, saying, "I hope you won't be in pain there and will be well, loved by many people."