A Life Lived as an Angel... 60-Year-Old Brain-Dead After 20 Years of Nursing Volunteering, Saves 3 Lives and Ascends to Heaven

A woman in her 60s who suddenly collapsed and became brain dead at a hospital where she had volunteered for nursing care for over 10 years saved three lives through organ donation before passing away. Her family agreed to the organ donation, saying, "Since she passed away while volunteering to help others, we hope her organs can save those who are ill."

Hwang Young-ok, who saved three lives through organ donation
Photo by Korea Organ Donation Agency

The Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency announced on the 31st that Hwang Young-ok (69) donated her liver and both kidneys at Incheon St. Mary's Hospital on December 8 last year, saving three lives before passing away. Hwang had visited Incheon St. Mary's Hospital on December 5 for nursing care volunteer work but collapsed in the restroom she visited before starting her volunteer duties. Incheon St. Mary's Hospital is where she had been volunteering for nursing care for over 10 years. Although she was immediately taken to the emergency room and treated, she never regained consciousness and became brain dead.

After hearing from the medical staff that there was no chance of recovery, Hwang's family decided to agree to organ donation, saying, "Since she passed away while volunteering to help others, it would be good if her organs could save those who are ill." Through Hwang's brain-dead organ donation, three people who received her liver and both kidneys were saved.

It is reported that Hwang had been steadily volunteering for nursing care at senior welfare centers and hospitals for 20 years, encouraged by her younger sibling. Born as the second of five siblings in Yeongju, Gyeongbuk, she was lively, sociable, and had a personality that enjoyed sharing and being with others.

Her younger sister, Hwang Young-hee, said, “Our mother passed away when I was in the second year of high school, and my sister paid for my tuition and cared for me like a real mother. She was a kind sister who always helped family and others despite our difficult circumstances, so it hurts even more.” She added, “I feel so sorry that I told her we would travel together later because I was working.” She expressed her sorrow and said, “I hope she doesn’t suffer in heaven and is happy doing everything she wanted to do. I believe she is doing well, having met our mother first.”

Moon In-sung, director of the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency, said, “We express our gratitude to the donor who practiced life-sharing at the hospital where she went to volunteer for others and to her family who shared her will. The hope given at the end of life will bloom brightly as new life and illuminate the world.”

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