She not only brought a new life to the world but also saved 12 other lives by fulfilling her lifelong dream of organ donation.
Editor's note: This article was originally published on March 19, 2020. It has since been updated.
After Kathleen Thorson and Jesse Thorson brought their baby number four into the world the family experienced a wave of happiness. They decided to name the youngest sibling of Danny, Grace, and James; Teddy.
But their happiness was short-lived as Kathleen had to be rushed to the hospital just a week after delivery. She suffered a sudden hemorrhage and before the reason could be determined she soon slipped into a critical condition and was declared brain dead. Before long, Kathleen left the world leaving behind a family of five.
However, even in her toughest phase, she did something that could inspire people to spread love and hope at all times. According to Mail Online, Kathleen donated 12 of her organs including heart and lungs and went on to save 12 lives. It was her lifelong dream to donate her organs and help people in need, therefore, she was registered as an organ donor and her dream was brought to life, literally! In the GoFundMe page that was set up to honor her memory, Stubbs wrote, "The nurse told Jesse the chances that someone is a candidate of this magnitude is less than [one] in a million" on the GoFundMe page.
The campaign also received donations for the expenses of Kathleen's passing and Teddy's birth. "Kathleen. Mother extraordinaire. Bringer of love, life, and magic. Giver of goodness and hope," wrote Richard Stubbs, the organizer of the campaign. "There aren't many words to be said except that we love her, and we will miss her with every breath we take. Through all of this hardship, her love, life, and magic are still felt."
This heartfelt campaign not only receives donations for a brave family but also gives you something priceless - inspiration and hope. Be a little more like Kathleen," says a statement on the page.
Kathleen's story touched many hearts and one such person was Kristen Bell, who, through her brand of baby products, Hello Bello, extended help by sending Jesse their Year of Hello Bello Diapers Bundles for the newborn baby boy. The actress took to Instagram to share the story of Kathleen by saying, "Jesse - our thoughts are with your family during this unimaginably difficult time. Sending peace and love your way."
Jesse has planned to fulfill Kathleen's wishes with the funds being raised through the campaign which includes making a garden for their children, in the backyard. "This was to be a space that Kathleen could teach her children about her love of gardening, invite friends over for fun events, and live her 'hobbit' dreams," Stubbs stated on the GoFundMe page.
Kathleen may not be among us today but through her noble gesture, she will continue to live along in our memories and in the hearts of 12 other people she saved. When Teddy grows up he will surely miss his mom but the story of her generosity will inspire him to be the man Kathleen would have wanted him to be.
References:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-honor-of-kathleen-thorson-and-the-thorsons
