‘Filial Navy Civilian Employee’ Who Donated Liver to Mother Battling Cirrhosis

Naval Logistics Command Maintenance Depot Jo Ara Military Civilian Officer
Decides on Liver Transplant for Mother Who Gave Birth and Raised Her

A heartwarming story between a mother and daughter has recently come to light, touching the hearts of many around them.

The protagonist of the story is Jo Ara, a civilian administrative officer (Grade 6) working at the Naval Logistics Command. On March 7, Jo underwent surgery at Seoul Asan Medical Center to donate a portion of her liver to her mother, who was battling cirrhosis.

Joara Military Administrative Officer and her mother, Jeon Minsuk. [Photo by Joara Military Administrative Officer]

Her mother, Jeon Minsook (61 years old), was diagnosed with cirrhosis in 2015 and had been dedicated to treatment and health management since then. However, her health suddenly deteriorated in December 2023. Based on the attending physician’s opinion that a liver transplant was essential for her mother’s recovery, Jo decided to proceed with the surgery without any hesitation.

Although her decision to undergo surgery was firm, the journey to the operating table was long and challenging. First, through a biopsy, it was necessary to confirm that Jo’s liver would not cause any adverse reactions in her mother after the transplant. Fortunately, the biopsy results deemed the liver “suitable for transplantation.” She then devoted herself to exercise and diet management to ensure a successful surgery. She completely avoided greasy foods and strictly abstained from alcohol.

On March 7, she lay on the operating table and underwent a major surgery lasting eight hours, during which 70% of her liver was transplanted to her mother. The mother had her cirrhotic liver completely removed and received her daughter’s liver. After the successful surgery, the mother and daughter took maximum rest and worked hard on health management for recovery. About two months later, both are in very good health, and Jo is scheduled to return to work in June.

Jo said, “I was worried about undergoing the liver transplant surgery, but I thought of it as something to do for the mother who gave birth to and raised me, and I fulfilled my natural duty as a child.”

She added, “I only hope my mother’s health improves as soon as possible.”

Her mother, Jeon, said, “I feel very sorry for my daughter. I am grateful for the precious gift from my daughter, and I want to do my best to manage my health and spend many happy times with my family in the future.”

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