The mother of four looked death in the eye and hoped to give someone in need the gift of life.
This article was first published on January 23, 2020. There have been updates made to it.
Kathleen Thorson faced a multitude of challenges when she became seriously ill. She and her husband Jesse had recently welcomed a sixth member into their family-of-five days ago and Kathleen had hardly spent enough time with the new baby boy. However, when tragedy struck during a moment that should have been filled with joy, the mother-of-four’s thoughts turned towards the well-being of others. Before she died, Kathleen thought about how she could give people who need it the gift of life. That’s why she became a one-in-a-million organ donor.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for Kathleen, Jesse, and their children Danny, Grace, James, and the new baby Teddy. It shares the heartwarming story of a new mother who selflessly donated 12 of her organs, including her heart and lungs, to other patients in need after her passing. Kathleen had a fatal intracerebral hemorrhage five days later. Her physicians were aware that she wouldn’t survive despite their best attempts and many procedures.
“Kathleen’s condition reached a critical stage where her survival became impossible. As she asked, we are doing everything we can to make her the prayed-for miracle of life for other people who need organ donors, ” wrote Richard Stubbs on January 8, 2020, in a GoFundMe message. “There are no words to adequately express the depth of our love for her and the immense void her absence leaves in our lives. Every breath we take is a reminder of how much we will miss her. Despite the challenges she’s faced, her love, life, and magic continue to resonate,” he remarked.
Kathleen’s final wish was granted as it was revealed that she met the criteria to donate all of her organs. In a recent campaign update on January 11, 2020, Stubbs shared, “According to the nurse, the likelihood of someone being a candidate of this magnitude is incredibly rare, less than 1 in a million.” However, it was already common knowledge among those who knew Kathleen. We are thrilled to share the wonderful news that Kathleen will be able to bring hope and healing to almost twelve individuals who are eagerly awaiting an organ donation.
“We are deeply committed to doing whatever it takes to reunite Kathleen with us. However, we are incredibly thankful that another person’s loved one will be returning home due to Kathleen’s selfless sacrifice. We have such deep affection for her, and her absence is keenly felt. May God protect her heart as it beats faster at the sight of children playing, may he fill her lungs with the fragrance of lavender fields, and may the angels in heaven celebrate as Kathleen returns home,” he said.
Actress Kristen Bell was immediately drawn to Thorson’s tragedy and shared on Instagram that her baby brand HelloBello is donating a year’s worth of wipes and diapers to the bereaved family. “Kathleen expressed her desire to save as many lives as she could before she died away earlier this month. She donated an almost unprecedented 12 organs, including her heart and lungs. Jesse – our thoughts are with your family during this unimaginably difficult time.” Bell shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing her wishes of peace and love.
The GoFundMe campaign managed to raise an impressive $130,385, which greatly exceeded the initial goal of $50,000. It even passed their stretch goal of $95,000 which will help the Thorson family’s medical costs, funeral expenses, and allow Jesse to spend most of his time with his children. Stubbs shared that the additional funds raised would be used to create a beautiful garden in the family’s backyard. “Right now, any extra money will help Jesse pay his bills and work toward his and Kathleen’s goals of building a beautiful garden in their backyard.” According to him, this was meant to be a place where Kathleen could share her passion for gardening with her children, host enjoyable events for friends, and live out her whimsical dreams.
