Having a child is a blessing and usually a time of celebration. And, it was no different for Kathleen and Jesse Thorson of Medford, Oregon. Together, they were welcoming their fourth child into the world. What Jesse did not know was that he was not going to be able to raise their new baby together. Lastly, let alone the three they already had.
Consequently, a few days after having her son, Theodore, something went terribly wrong. The mom of four was rushed to the hospital. She had bleeding on the brain, known as an intracerebral hemorrhage. Kathleen was healthy, so nobody expected what had happened. Sadly, despite many surgeries, Kathleen was declared brain dead and could not be saved.
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Turning tragedy into something beautiful
GoFundMe was set up for her husband, Jesse Thorson, and their children — Danny, Grace, James and the new baby. Thankfully, Kathleen was a registered organ donor, and 12 of her organs were used to save the lives of others.
“Kathleen’s condition deteriorated to a point that she could no longer survive. And so As was her wish, we are doing everything we can for her to be the prayed-for miracle of life for certain others in need of organ donations.”
“There aren’t many words to be said except that we love her, and we will miss her with every breath we take,” he continued on the GoFundMe page. “Through all of this hardship, her love, life, and magic are still felt.”
Following her death, it was revealed that “Kathleen will be able to provide the prayed for miracle for nearly a dozen individuals who are waiting anxiously for an organ donation.”
Richard Stubbs – GoFundMe
News Traveled
According to a nurse who spoke to Jesse, donating so many organs was almost unheard of. The chances that someone is a candidate of this magnitude is less than 1 in a million. Accordingly, actress Kristen Bell heard about Kathleen and wrote a touching post on Instagram about the mom. It said:
“Before she passed earlier this month, Kathleen said she wanted to save as many lives as possible and donated an almost unheard of 12 organs, including her heart and lungs. Jesse – our thoughts are with your family during this unimaginably difficult time. Sending peace and love your way.”
Thanks to the GoFundMe that was set up, the medical bills for the family were covered, as well as salary for Jesse.
“At this point, every little bit extra will help Jesse pay off bills and therefore, work toward dreams he and Kathleen had of making a beautiful garden in their back yard. 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.
Therefore, be a little more like Kathleen, Look for the hand of God in your life every day. Love people. Cook them tasty food. Enjoy the beauty of your ordinary life. Go on adventures. Read poetry. Take calming baths. Wear soft clothes. Sing. Grow things. And, Grow people. Grow dreams. Find out who you are and be the best You that you can be.”
Richard Stubbs – GoFundMe
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Sources
- “Mom Who Died Just Days After Giving Birth Becomes 1 in a Million Organ Donor, Fulfilling Dying Wish.” People. January 2020
- “Mother who died of a postpartum brain bleed five days after giving birth to her fourth child has her dying wish fulfilled.” DailyMail. January 2020