Man in his 50s helps more than 100 people through bone and blood-vessel donation after his death

After more than a decade of dialysis treatment, Choi Yong-jin died at 56 and donated tissues that could help more than 100 people.

The Korea Organ Donation Agency said Choi donated bones, fascia, heart valves, blood vessels and pericardium after his death on July 8 at Wonkwang University Sanbon Hospital in Gunpo, Gyeonggi province. Unlike organ donation, which can help up to nine recipients from one donor, tissue donation can assist around 100 people experiencing functional disabilities.

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He had given me his donor registration card about two years ago and asked me to make sure he could donate if something happened.

Choi, the youngest of three brothers, severely injured one leg in a traffic accident in his 20s. Despite difficulty walking, he worked as a village-bus driver and in the used-car business until he began dialysis in his early 40s.

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He was not simply my uncle, but a friend, another father and a reliable adult.

He had registered as a prospective donor and told his family of his wishes. His nephew, Choi Bu-won, said Choi had given him a donor registration card about two years earlier and asked the family to make sure he could donate if something happened. The family decided to follow his wishes.

Despite his long treatment, Choi maintained regular contact with friends and tried to live positively. He enjoyed cooking and brought homemade food to his nephew. Choi’s family described him as a trusted adult who was affectionate like a friend. “He was not simply my uncle, but a friend, another father and a reliable adult,” his nephew said.

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I am living happily, so don’t worry.