Five-year-old Yu-na gives the gift of life through organ donation

A five-year-old girl named Yu-na has become a beacon of life for three individuals after her parents made the heart-wrenching decision to donate her organs following her declaration of brain death. The Korea Organ Tissue Donation Association announced that Yu-na, who passed away in May at Samsung Seoul Hospital, donated her heart, lungs, and both kidneys, as well as vascular tissue.

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It was difficult to decide when it concerned my beloved daughter, but I thought it would be good if others could live longer because of Yu-na, and I wanted to leave her in the world in some way.

Yu-na was born prematurely in July 2020 and underwent surgery for hydrocephalus due to a brain hemorrhage. Despite this early challenge, she had been largely healthy. However, in early May, she suddenly experienced severe headaches and lethargy. Despite medical treatment and surgery, her condition worsened, leading to a diagnosis of brain death.

Her mother, Shim Ji-young, who had long been interested in organ donation since her university days, shared the emotional struggle. "It was difficult to decide when it concerned my beloved daughter, but I thought it would be good if others could live longer because of Yu-na, and I wanted to leave her in the world in some way," she said. Shim recalled cherished memories of Yu-na, from her first "Mom" to family trips and her love for chocolate.

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My beloved Yu-na, Mom and Dad were so happy because of you. Thank you, my darling. We will never forget you as our first and beloved daughter, Yu-na. When we meet again, I will run and hug you and give you all the love I couldn't give you before. I love you.

In a touching farewell, Shim told Yu-na, "My beloved Yu-na, Mom and Dad were so happy because of you. Thank you, my darling." She added, "We will never forget you as our first and beloved daughter, Yu-na. When we meet again, I will run and hug you and give you all the love I couldn't give you before. I love you." To the organ recipients, she conveyed a message of hope: "I hope you live a regret-free life. I hope you express your love to your loved ones without holding back."

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I hope you live a regret-free life. I hope you express your love to your loved ones without holding back.