Donated Heart, Lungs, Liver, and Both Kidneys
Continued Volunteering Even After Losing Her Father
A social worker in her 40s who had dedicated her life to volunteering gave the gift of new life to five people through organ donation before passing away.
On May 27, the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency announced that on March 22, Ji Hye Lee (43) donated her heart, lungs, liver, and both kidneys to five recipients through brain death organ donation at Inha University Hospital. In addition, her tissue donation contributed to the functional recovery of more than 100 patients.
On March 18, Lee lost consciousness and collapsed at home. She was urgently transported to the hospital, but despite the medical team's intensive treatment, she did not regain consciousness and was declared brain dead. Her family, knowing that Lee had always enjoyed helping those in need, decided to proceed with the donation, hoping she could do something meaningful at the end of her life.
Born in Incheon as the eldest of three sisters, Lee was known for her bright and active personality. Even after losing her father early to a cerebral hemorrhage and facing difficult times, she continued volunteering to help people with disabilities and children. Later, inspired by her desire to help others, she obtained a social worker certification and established a nursing home.
Lee's daughter, Yehyang Lee, said, "Mom, thank you so much for being my mother. Even though our time together was short, I will cherish the good memories and live well. I hope you are happy in heaven. I love you, Mom," she said in her farewell.
Samyeol Lee, President of the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency, stated, "We are deeply grateful to Ji Hye Lee and her bereaved family for their warm hearts and for practicing the gift of life by saving others at the end of her own life."
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