Final act of Bloemfontein organ donor could save up to 70 lives
Two young children and a heart transplant recipient are to receive a second chance at life following the organ donation of a Free State man.
Following the passing of 28-year-old Deon van der Berg after a tragic accident in Dan Pienaar last Saturday (May 16), his family made the selfless decision to donate his organs, a gift that could help up to 70 people in need, reports Bloemfontein Courant.
His father, Danie, says Deon was declared brain-dead after the accident. The family believed donating his organs was something he would have wanted, as he always loved helping people.
His heart will be transplanted to a recipient in Johannesburg, while his liver will help two children, aged four and twelve. His kidneys were already transplanted in Bloemfontein on Tuesday (May 19), the day of the procedure.
Reflecting on the walk of honour at Mediclinic Bloemfontein, Danie says it was a difficult moment for the family, but knowing that Deon would change and save other people’s lives brought them some comfort.
“We are going to miss him.”
Deon, who was part of the Bloemfontein Children’s Choir and matriculated from Sand du Plessis High School, had plans to move to Germany in June to pursue career opportunities.
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Read original story on www.bloemfonteincourant.co.za
