"Don't Be Sad, Mom Was Very Happy"... Son Battling Illness for Life Saves Four Before Passing Away

Diagnosed with epilepsy at 7 months old, spent more than a decade bedridden
Donated heart, liver, and other organs to four people

A man in his 30s, who battled epilepsy from birth, passed away after giving the gift of new life to four people through organ donation.

According to the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency on August 6, So Inhoo, 34, donated his heart, liver, and both kidneys at Chonbuk National University Hospital on July 1.

Donor So Inhoo (right) and his mother Yang Younghee. Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency

Born in 1991 in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, Mr. So began showing seizure symptoms around seven months of age and was subsequently diagnosed with epilepsy. As a child, he was able to walk with the support of braces and assistance, but after suffering from severe pneumonia in his early 20s, he required a tracheostomy and received long-term treatment in the intensive care unit.

Afterward, as his health declined and his mobility worsened, he spent more than a decade bedridden at home. In June, his health suddenly deteriorated, and though he was transferred to the hospital, he never regained consciousness.

So's mother, Yang Younghee, said that when the medical staff explained organ donation, she asked if it was possible for a child who had been ill for so long to be a donor. She ultimately decided to proceed, wishing that some part of her son could continue to exist somewhere in the world.

So spent most of his time at home with his mother. Other than hospital visits, his only outings were one or two walks each week. After experiencing seizures as a child, So had difficulty expressing himself verbally and instead communicated his feelings through facial expressions and gestures. He was known for his bright demeanor, often responding to his mother's words with a smile.

Donor So Inhu's Daily Life. Korea Organ and Tissue Donor Agency

His mother, Yang Younghee, reflected, "He was the reason I could endure those long years of caring for him. In the end, it wasn't me saving my son, but my son saving me." She continued, "I am heartbroken that we had to part so early, and it pains me that I can't see you. Inhoo, don't be sad that you can't be with Mom. You will always be with me in my heart. Raising you brought me so much happiness. I will never forget you. My beloved son, I miss you so much."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.