Mother Bears Life Twice

“The most valuable gift for the parents day would be my daughter`s life.“

Story of a mother, who is to give half of her kidney to her beloved daughter on the 8th, is spreading a quiet heart-filling sensation.

Lee Byung-Suk (49.female) is to go through an operation at Kangnam-gu Samsung Seoul Hospital on the 8th, which will transfer half of her kidney to her daughter, Kang Hye-Sun, who is suffering from chronic renal failure.

Kang was diagnosed of the disease in last August, 3 years after beginning her fist career as an elementary school teacher. Although she underwent treatment after resigning from the school, her state became worse despite hemodialysis and she even grew weaker in the struggle against the disease.

However, Kang had her mother`s careful nursing, young pupils from the school she once belonged to, and the colleagues` encouragement to give her strength.

Kang`s tissue examination revealed that all her father, mother, and brother were able to donate kidneys, but her mother was the most suitable one.

“I don`t know what to say about receiving mother`s kidney on the parents day, when I should be the one paying back for their support for me. After I get well, I`d like to go back to the school and teach children what true filial love is,” said Kang.

mhpark@donga.com