‘Sharing Warm Love and Becoming Stars in the Sky’ … Son Kyung-ae from Yeongyang-gun Donates Organs to 5 Patients After Brain Death Diagnosis

On the 12th, Son Kyung-ae donated organs to five patients at Andong Hospital before passing away.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Gwiyeol] Yeongyang-gun, Gyeongbuk, announced on the 12th that Son Gyeong-ae (53) from Yeongyang-eup donated organs to five patients and passed away at Andong Hospital.

A woman in her 50s from the area suddenly became brain dead and shared life with five patients before passing away.

Son Gyeong-ae, who ran a mart with her husband in Yeongyang-eup, suddenly collapsed on the morning of August 7 and was transported to the hospital by ambulance. However, due to cerebral infarction, she repeatedly fell into a coma and was presumed brain dead. When she briefly woke from the coma, there were signs of possible recovery as she tried to move unaffected parts of her body.

Her family, who struggled with the sudden tragic news, said, "She was a wife and mother who always liked helping those in need, so we believe she would be happy in heaven knowing her final journey became a hope for someone else." It is known that after the final brain death diagnosis on November 11, they decided to donate her organs.

The next day, her liver, both kidneys, and both corneas were transplanted to five desperate patients.

Son, who had one son and one daughter, was described by her family as having a warm heart, loving mountains, and always approaching and helping those in need around her. She also donated food to grandparent-headed households and took the lead in contributing to talent development scholarships.

Her husband, Lee Young-woo, said, "My wife, who always willingly trusted and followed whatever I said, worked alongside me in our livelihood and raised our son and daughter. Thinking about the parts of life she deserved to enjoy from now on makes me very sad. I am thankful and sorry that she took good care of the children while enduring hard work with me."

Her family, after hearing from medical staff that recovery was unlikely and preparing themselves mentally, recalled her usual words and actions, adding, "We hope she will be remembered as someone who shared warm love and became a new hope for others on her final journey."

County Governor Oh Do-chang said, "We thank Son Gyeong-ae’s family and the donor for deciding to donate organs for other sick people at the sudden end of her life," and added, "We will ensure that this noble decision to practice the most precious life-sharing is beautifully remembered in the local community."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.