A high school student who dreamed of becoming a healthcare professional gifted new life to five people through organ donation before passing away.
According to Ulsan University Hospital on the 16th, Eom Tae-ung (17), a student at Gyeongju Hyochung Health High School, suddenly collapsed due to a cerebral hemorrhage on the 5th. Eom, who was receiving treatment at a hospital in Pohang, Gyeongbuk, was transferred to Ulsan University Hospital on the 7th and fell into a brain-dead state two days later on the 9th. After being informed by the medical staff that recovery was no longer possible, Eom’s parents decided to proceed with organ donation according to their son’s wishes during his lifetime.
Eom donated five organs including his heart, lungs, liver, and both kidneys. Additionally, through tissue donation such as skin, he helped many patients with reconstruction and functional recovery.
It is said that Eom had dreamed of becoming a healthcare professional during his lifetime. Since he hoped to pursue a career in the health field, he was interested in organ donation and had expressed his desire to donate organs to his family several times.
Eom’s parents said, "Our child showed a strong will regarding organ donation, and we decided to respect that wish. Although we cannot see or touch our beloved child anymore, knowing that he lives on in the bodies of others brings us great comfort."
Park Sang-jun, director of the Organ Transplant Center at Ulsan University Hospital, said, "Tae-ung’s decision and his parents’ courage remind many people of the preciousness of life and the meaning of sharing. We will continue to promote the culture of organ donation and strive to save more lives through it."
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