A 60-Year-Old Caregiver Who Prepared Meals for Elderly Living Alone During Seollal Gives New Life to Two People Before Passing Away

Deceased Who Expressed Willingness to Donate Organs
"Wanted to Help Those in Need Before Leaving"
Received 'Filial Son Award' for Caring for Mother-in-Law Over 10 Years

A caregiver in her 60s who cared for an elderly person’s meals until just before brain death gifted new lives to two people through organ donation and passed away.

The Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency announced on the 18th, "On the 29th of last month, Im Bong-ae (62) donated her liver and both kidneys through brain death organ donation at Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital."

The late Im Bong-ae. [Image provided by Korea Organ Donation Agency]

Im, a caregiver, lost consciousness and collapsed in the car while returning after preparing meals for an elderly person living alone during the Lunar New Year holiday. She was rushed to the hospital but fell into a brain-dead state.

Her family recalled that Im had said during her lifetime, "When I die, my body will go to heaven, but I want to help those in need through organ donation before I leave," and agreed to the organ donation.

Born as the second of five siblings in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, Im was cheerful and bright, always warm and giving to her family and those around her. She enjoyed self-development and held more than ten certifications in Korean cuisine, Western cuisine, and baking. She actively helped people who were ill while working as a caregiver for a long time, and she also cared for her mother-in-law for over ten years while working, earning a filial son award.

Her son, Lee Jeong-gil, said, "I still remember the warmth of my mother’s gentle hands and embrace. We will raise the twin grandchildren she loved dearly and live our lives diligently as a family. We miss her so much and are always grateful for her love and care. May she be free from pain and healthy in heaven. We love you."

Moon In-seong, president of the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency, expressed gratitude, saying, "The donor’s beautiful image of helping others until the end of life and saving other lives will make society warmer and brighter."

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