A 60s Mother Who Supported Family with Stroke-Stricken Husband... Donated Organs and Passed Away

A mother in her 60s, who supported her family by working at a textile factory and other jobs after her husband collapsed from a stroke, saved lives through brain death organ donation and passed away.

Saving one life through brain-dead organ donation, Mr. Heo Gokji (69), who passed away. Provided by Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency

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The Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency announced on the 10th that Heo Gokji (69) donated her liver through brain death organ donation at Daegu Catholic Hospital on the 8th of last month and has passed away peacefully.

She lost consciousness and collapsed due to a tragic accident on February 28th and was urgently transported to the hospital. Despite the medical staff's active treatment, she did not regain consciousness and entered a brain death state. Her children said that if there had been even a slight hope for her to wake up, they would have waited for a miracle, but they believed that rather than lying there until life ended, saving someone else's life would also be a good thing for their mother, so they decided on donation. With the family's consent, Heo donated her liver and saved one life.

About 30 years ago, when her husband became unable to work due to a stroke, she did not hesitate to take on various jobs such as working at a textile factory, an auto parts factory, and as a caregiver to support her family. After work, she enjoyed walking her dog and loved hiking, often climbing mountains on weekends. The bereaved family said she was a quiet person who got along well with others and was warm-hearted, actively helping those in need around her.

Her son, Jang Jaewoong, said, "My father also suffered from a stroke and passed away five years ago, so I can't believe that my mother is leaving us due to brain death as well. Thinking that I will never see her again makes me feel sorry for not having treated her better." He added, "Mom, rest peacefully in heaven with Dad. I never said this while you were alive, but I love you," delivering his final farewell.

Lee Samyeol, Director of the Organ and Tissue Donation Agency, said, "We are grateful to Heo Gokji and her family for practicing life-sharing to save other lives at the end of her life." He added, "We will do our best to ensure that the love of donors and their families is well conveyed as hope that saves other lives."

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