South Korean Man Who Endured More Than a Decade of Dialysis Gives Tissue to Help 100 Patients

Choi Yong-jin spent more than a decade undergoing dialysis and lived with lasting health problems. After his death at Wonkwang University Sanbon Hospital on July 9, his family followed through on his wish to donate human tissue.

The 56-year-old donated bone, fascia, heart valves, blood vessels and pericardium. The Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency said tissue from one donor can help the treatment and recovery of more than 100 patients with functional disabilities.

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About two years ago, my uncle handed me a donor registration card and asked me to make sure he could donate if something happened. Our family decided to follow his wishes.

Choi had given his family a clear indication of what he wanted. His nephew, Choi Bu-won, said Choi handed him a donor registration card about two years ago and asked him to make sure he could donate if something happened. The family decided to respect that request.

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He was not simply my uncle, but a friend, another father and a dependable adult I could trust.

Choi, the youngest of three siblings, had severely injured one leg in a traffic accident in his 20s and later had difficulty walking. He worked as a village bus driver and in the used-car business before beginning dialysis in his early 40s.

Despite his health problems, relatives remembered him as positive and dependable. He enjoyed cooking and brought food to his nephew. Choi also reassured worried family members by telling them not to worry because he was living happily. His nephew recalled him as a friend, another father and a trusted adult.

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I remember so much of the time I spent with my uncle. It hurts even more because he tried to live positively without losing his smile despite difficult circumstances. I hope he can now meet his grandmother and spend only good times with her.