Woman who died giving birth has 12 organs donated

A woman who died after childbirth had a single dying wish – to save lives.

Kathleen Thorson from Medford, Oregon in the US, gave birth to a healthy child, but was rushed into surgery five days later due to a brain hemorrhage, Metro reports.

The mother of four suffered a postpartum brain bleed and couldn’t be saved after numerous surgeries.

Kathleen, a registered organ donor, wanted to help others and her family honoured her wish by donating her organs.

The Thorson family turned tragedy into a blessing for others by donating 12 of her organs, including her heart and lungs, to those in need, Daily Mail reports.

Following her passing, a GoFundMe page was created to honor Kathleen and support her family through their trying time.

To date, the page has raised more than $120 000 (R1,7 million) to help cover the cost of medical bills, funeral expenses and lost wages.

Although the Thorson family are grieving, Kathleen’s husband, Jesse, told talk show Good Morning America that organ donation provided a moment of positivity amid the tragedy, ABC News reports.

“I’m glad my kids will know their mom for doing that,” said Jesse, who’s father to Danny (7), Gracie (6), James (4) and Teddy (three weeks).

“My seven-year-old told his first-grade class that his mom has ‘helped people’.”

“As we get to know more about that process – recipients who receive [Kathleen’s] organs – it’s something that will be continually lifting us,” the dad of four added.

Source: Metro, Daily Mail, GoFundMe, ABC News