Carpenter Ban Jonghak Donates Heart, Lungs, and Both Eyes
A man in his 50s who fell down stairs on his way home and became brain dead gifted new lives to six people through organ donation before passing away.
The Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency announced on the 7th that Mr. Ban Jong-hak (57) donated his heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and both eyes at Gachon University Gil Medical Center on December 15 last year before passing away.
He also donated human tissues such as skin, bones, cartilage, and blood vessels, giving hope to about 100 patients with functional disabilities. On December 11 last year, Mr. Ban fell while climbing stairs on his way home and was urgently transported to the hospital but ultimately never regained consciousness and was declared brain dead.
The family agreed to organ donation because they believed that Mr. Ban would be happy in heaven if he could help someone at the end of his life. Additionally, the family decided to donate with the hope that it would bring hope to those who are still desperately waiting for the gift of life at this moment.
Born as the third child among six siblings in Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon Province, Mr. Ban was a bright and caring person who would approach those in need first. On his days off, he enjoyed fishing or spending time with his family, often cooking for them.
Having worked as a carpenter for over 20 years, he took great pride in his work to the extent that he often wore pain relief patches all over his body. Although he was recently diagnosed with a need for shoulder surgery, he chose to continue working instead of undergoing surgery, fearing he might not be able to work afterward.
The deceased’s daughter said her final farewell to her father who had passed away to heaven, saying, "I am so sorry that I could have done better," and "I think it is because he is my dad that I have grown up well and am living well until now. I always miss you and love you."
Meanwhile, the number of people wishing to donate organs and tissues in Korea in 2023 was about 140,000, an increase of 20% compared to 2020 when COVID-19 began to spread. According to the National Organ, Tissue, and Blood Management Service under the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the number of registered organ and tissue donors last year was 139,090 (83,362 for organs + 55,728 for tissues, excluding hematopoietic stem cells). This is a 20.4% increase from 115,517 in 2020 when COVID-19 began to spread.
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