Mother of twins saves 4 lives with organ donation after death

Jang Hee-jae, a 43-year-old dancer and mother of twins, gave a new lease on life to four people through post-mortem organ donation. Courtesy of Korea Organ Donation Agency

Jang Hee-jae, a 43-year-old dancer and mother of twins, gave a new lease on life to four people through post-mortem organ donation, according to the Korea Organ Donation Agency.

Jang, who died on March 16 after extensive damage to her brain from a cardiac arrest, had her heart, lungs, liver and both kidneys donated to four individuals through Chungnam National University Hospital, the agency said Monday.

She experienced cardiac arrest while sleeping at her parents' home on March 9. She was transferred to the hospital but failed to regain consciousness and was ultimately declared brain dead.

Her family made the decision for organ donation, believing that Jang would have wanted to convey the importance of performing good deeds to her seven-year-old twin sons before her death. They also hoped that her organs could offer others the chance to continue living.

Jang's family members were particularly aware of the sufferings caused by organ failure as her grandmother had undergone kidney dialysis for over two decades.

Born in Seoul, Jang was an extrovert who loved reading books, according to her family. She had a warm heart, not hesitating to help those in need and regularly made charitable donations.

Influenced by her older sister, who was a professional dancer, Jang began her dance journey in high school and went on to earn bachelor's and master's degrees in dance from Chungnam National University. Being a devoted mother to her twin sons, she remained committed to her academic achievements, pursuing doctoral studies in dance.

"I miss you so much. I call your name several times every morning. Don't worry about the children. Rest in peace now. Visit me in my dreams often so that I can tell you all about the kids. Please watch over the children from heaven so they can grow up well. I love you," her mother, Kim Kwang-sook, said.