A 70-Year-Old Mother Who Said, "From This Chuseok On, Let's Have a Meal Instead of Holding Ancestral Rites," Saves One Life Through Organ Donation Before Passing Away [Warm Stories]

[Financial News]  A warmhearted woman in her 70s who loved sharing with her neighbors became a star in heaven after giving one person a new lease on life through organ donation following brain death ahead of Chuseok.

According to KOTRY on the 22nd, Kang Sook-hee, 78, donated her liver at Cheju Halla General Hospital on the 7th, saving one person's life before passing away.
On the morning of the 19th of last month, Kang collapsed after complaining that her neck felt stiff while preparing for her usual morning exercise with her husband. She was taken to the hospital and treated for a subarachnoid hemorrhage, but never regained consciousness and was eventually declared brain-dead.
Remembering how she had always lived by helping others, her family decided to donate her organs. Her husband, Jeong Sang-bin, explained, "If it can save someone's life, that alone makes it meaningful," adding, "She had always lived generously, so I thought giving to someone else until her final moment was also in keeping with her wishes."
Kang, who had lived in Jeju Province all her life, married Jeong, a former elementary school teacher, and raised one son and three daughters. While devotedly caring for her family, she also worked as an insurance agent for more than 20 years to help support the household.
Kang lived in the same neighborhood for more than 40 years and treated her neighbors like family. She loved sharing good things with them. After her children grew up and her husband retired, she enjoyed tending flowers and traveling with him. She was especially happy about a trip she took with her children and grandchildren last May, proudly telling people around her about it several times. However, she could no longer keep her promise to take the trip with them again.

As the daughter-in-law in the family of the eldest grandson, Kang observed holidays and ancestral rites for more than 50 years. She was also known for her excellent cooking.
Her son, Jung In-tae, said, "She told us that starting this year, instead of holding the Chuseok memorial rite, we should share a dinner with the family. But this Chuseok, we will be without Mother." He continued, "I hope you won't worry. I hope you are happy in heaven, tending the flowers you loved and traveling around the world. I love you," offering his final farewell to his mother.
In a letter, her husband, Jeong Sang-bin, wrote, "In our 56 years of marriage, I was so happy during the time I shared with you," adding, "You were the best wife and the best mother." He also said, "I am truly proud of you for helping someone continue living and begin a new life until the very moment you left us," before bidding his final farewell to his wife.

[email protected] Kim Su-yeon Reporter