A 5-year-old girl who fell into a state of brain death following a sudden headache has passed away, leaving behind a gift of new life for three people after failing to regain consciousness.
Oh Yu-na was born in Suncheon, South Jeolla Province, in July 2020 as the first of fraternal twins.
She entered the world earlier than expected after spending about 25 weeks in her mother's womb.
At birth, Yu-na underwent surgery for hydrocephalus caused by a brain hemorrhage to regulate intracranial pressure by draining cerebrospinal fluid, but she did not suffer from any major illnesses as she grew up.
However, in early May, she suddenly began experiencing headaches and lethargy, and her condition worsened despite hospital treatment.
Although Yu-na underwent surgery, she did not regain consciousness and was declared brain dead at the age of 5.
After much deliberation, Yu-na's parents decided to donate her organs. In May, at Samsung Medical Center, Yu-na donated her heart, lungs, and both kidneys to three people, and also donated her blood vessels as human tissue.
Yu-na's mother, Shim Ji-young, had been interested in organ donation since she was a college student and had expressed her wish to her family that she would like to donate her organs should anything happen to her.
"It was a difficult decision to make when it involved my daughter, whom I love more than my own life, but I wanted to keep a part of Yu-na in this world," Shim said. "I hope that because of Yu-na, other people can live longer."
Born one minute earlier than her twin brother, Si-heon, Yu-na was known as a mature older sister who took good care of her brother.
She was particularly affectionate and was a daughter who expressed her love generously, often hugging her parents.
"My lovely girl. You will forever be our firstborn and our precious daughter, and we will never forget you," her mother said in a final farewell. "When we meet again, I will run to you, hold you tight, and give you all the love I couldn't give you before."
Reported by Jung Da-eun | Video by Lee Ui-seon | Graphics by Yang Hye-min | Produced by SBS Digital News
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