An 11-year-old girl who dreamed of becoming a flight attendant has given new life to four people through brain-death organ donation before passing away.
According to the Korea Organ Donation Agency on Wednesday, Kim Ha-eum donated her lungs, liver, and both kidneys at Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital on December 7, saving four precious lives.
Kim was rushed to the hospital on August 16 after complaining of headache symptoms while sleeping and was diagnosed with meningitis. Despite active treatment by medical staff, she never regained consciousness and was declared brain dead.
Her family happened to see a poster about organ donation in the intensive care unit waiting room. At first, they only prayed for Kim to wake up, but after doctors told them her condition was deteriorating and recovery was unlikely, they began considering donation. Because Kim had always loved people and enjoyed helping others, the family decided to donate so she could do something beautiful—saving others' lives—even in her final moments. They said it would bring them comfort if the recipients of Kim's last gift could regain their health.
Born on Christmas Eve in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, as the youngest of two children, Kim was a bright and active child who loved dancing in front of people and frequently told her family she loved them. She loved traveling and dreamed of becoming a flight attendant so she could fly to many countries.
"Ha-eum, how are you doing? Mom is so sorry for sending you away first. Please do whatever you want in heaven and rest easy. I will live well while cherishing the warm heart you gave me. Let's meet again next time and stay together for a long, long time. I miss you so much and I love you," her mother Yang A-reum said in a final message.
