Mom-of-4 dies days after childbirth, donates 12 organs to save lives, fulfilling last wish

Kathleen Thorson had everything to live for—a loving husband, Jesse, and a growing family, including their newest addition, a baby boy named Teddy. But when Kathleen tragically fell fatally ill, her thoughts turned not inward, but outward. In her final act of compassion, she chose to become an organ donor, giving the gift of life to others even as her own life was ending.

In an extraordinary gesture, Kathleen donated 12 of her organs—including her heart and lungs—to patients in need, a rare and remarkable contribution. A GoFundMe campaign was set up to support Jesse and their children, Danny, Grace, James, and Teddy, as they navigate life without her.

Just five days after welcoming baby Teddy, Kathleen suffered a catastrophic intracerebral hemorrhage. Despite multiple surgeries and every effort by her medical team, it became clear she would not survive. In her final moments, Kathleen ensured her legacy would live on through the lives she saved, demonstrating unparalleled selflessness and love.

"Kathleen's condition deteriorated to a point that she could no longer survive. 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," wrote Richard Stubbs, the organizer of the GoFundMe campaign on January 8, 2020. "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," he added.

Kathleen's dying wish came true when it was revealed that she "qualified as a viable donor for all of her organs." Updating the campaign on January 11, 2020, Stubbs wrote, "The nurse told Jesse the chances that someone is a candidate of this magnitude is less than 1 in a million. But anyone who knew Kathleen already knew that. We are so pleased to announce that Kathleen will be able to provide the prayed-for miracle for nearly a dozen individuals who are waiting anxiously for an organ donation."

"We would happily do anything it took to bring Kathleen back to us, but we are so grateful that someone else’s mother, daughter, father, friend, brother, sister, son or love will be coming home thanks to Kathleen’s ultimate sacrifice. We love her, and we miss her. We always will. May God watch over her heart as it continues to pound more rapidly at the sight of children playing, may he fill her lungs as they bring the scent of lavender fields to another, and may the angels in heaven rejoice as they receive Kathleen home," he added.

Thorson's story caught the attention of actress Kristen Bell, who announced on Instagram that her baby line, HelloBello, is giving the family a year's supply of wipes and diapers. "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," Bell wrote on Instagram.

The GoFundMe campaign raised a total of $130,385—far surpassing the original target of $50,000. It even passed their stretch goal of $95,000 which will help the Thorson family's medical costs, and funeral expenses, and allow Jesse to spend most of his time with his children. Stubbs revealed that the extra money raised would go towards building a garden in the family's backyard. "At this point, every little bit extra will help Jesse pay off bills and work toward the dreams he and Kathleen had of making a beautiful garden in their backyard. This was to be a space where Kathleen could teach her children about her love of gardening, invite friends over for fun events, and live her 'hobbit' dreams," he wrote.

This article originally appeared 4 years ago.