60s Organ Donor Waiting for Kidney Transplant... Leaves After Giving Miracle to 3 People

Unconscious in Hospital While Battling Chronic Renal Failure

A woman in her 60s who had been struggling with chronic renal failure and undergoing long-term dialysis while waiting for a transplant gifted new life to three people through brain-dead organ donation before passing away.

On the 29th, the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency announced that Kim Jeong-ja (65) donated her liver and both lungs at Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital on the 12th of last month.

Ms. Kim was diagnosed with chronic renal failure after suddenly experiencing breathing difficulties and visiting the hospital in December last year. Chronic renal failure is a condition where the kidneys have been damaged or their function has declined for more than three months. After the diagnosis, she began the difficult process of dialysis for four hours, three times a week.

On August 30th of this year, while waiting at the hospital to receive dialysis, she suddenly complained of a severe headache and was rushed to the emergency room, but ultimately did not regain consciousness.

Kim Jeong-ja (65), who saved three lives through organ donation and passed away. [Image source=Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency]

Having witnessed many patients enduring hardships while hoping for the miracle of donation during kidney dialysis, and having already registered as an organ donation hopeful with her family, Ms. Kim was able to donate immediately.

Born as the youngest of six siblings (three brothers and three sisters) in Chungju, Chungbuk, Ms. Kim was known to be bright, cheerful, and positive in everything, always approaching others first to offer help as a warm-hearted person.

Ms. Kim’s husband left a message to his wife in heaven, saying, "Are you resting well in heaven? You went through a lot in this world, so please rest comfortably there. I love you and miss you." Ms. Kim’s daughter conveyed to the donation recipients, "Although she suffered pain and hardship in the hospital bed, I hope you live healthily and well, having received the precious gift of life sharing."

Lee Sam-yeol, director of the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency, expressed gratitude, saying, "We thank the donor and her bereaved family who, after enduring the difficult process of dialysis and waiting for a transplant, saved lives through donation at the end of life." He added, "The beautiful image of the donor who saved other lives at the end of her own will warmly and brightly illuminate society."