A teenage girl born in 2009 who fell into a brain-dead state after a collision with a drowsy driver has saved six lives before passing away.
According to the Korea Organ Donation Agency on January 3, Park Chae-yeon, 16, donated her heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and both corneas at Ajou University Hospital on December 16 last year, saving six precious lives.
Park was traveling with her family to attend a relative's wedding on December 14 when their vehicle was struck by a drowsy driver, leaving her brain-dead. Her family decided to donate her organs, hoping that parts of their young daughter could continue to live on in others.
According to the bereaved family, Park was born as an only child in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, and had an active and cheerful personality from a young age. In high school, she was a diligent and academically passionate student who was elected class president and student council president every year. She always reached out first to friends in need, no matter how small the help required. Her desire to help those in need led her to dream of becoming a social worker.
Park's father, Park Wan-jae, tearfully said: "My beloved Chae-yeon, your mom and dad were so happy spending time with you. We still can't believe you're not beside us. Can you hear our voices from heaven? We miss you every day. We hope those who received the gift of new life stay healthy. Our kindest and most lovable daughter, Chae-yeon—we hope you'll come back as our daughter in the next life."
Lee Sam-yeol, President of the Korea Organ Donation Agency, said: "We will do our best to ensure the love of donors and their families is delivered as hope that saves other lives."
