Nadia Alissa Kosdi, 14

School: CHIJ Secondary

Topic: Letter of appreciation to donor family

Award: Distinction, Junior Category, 2021

Dear the family of James Lee,

Firstly, my family would like to offer our most sincere condolences on the loss of your son, and although a whole year has passed since the operation, we will always and forever be grateful for your son’s donation of his cornea. My grandmother has recovered well and she wanted to express her boundless gratitude towards your family as well. After all, the cornea transplant has truly changed how she leads her life in the utmost best possible ways.

Since the operation, my grandmother has been more active in pursuing her interests, especially since she can see much better now, and so she has taken up stitching as her new hobby. Not only does it keep her entertained and occupied, it has also helped in keeping her on her toes, since she needs to be careful not to prick her fingers. Fortunately, from the looks of it, she enjoys this newfound hobby very much. She has been diligently stitching many marvellous patterns and showing us her lovely completed works. She has even offered to teach me and my siblings how to stitch. My grandmother has also resolved to spend more time in the living room with our family. As such, we have gotten more opportunities to bond. For example, we have a fortnightly game night, in which we would form small teams and play games like Monopoly, Ludo and Uno among others, together. Other times, in the morning during weekends and holidays for instance, we would participate in virtual Zumba sessions in the living room as a family, or go out to watch movies at the cinema.

In just a year alone, my grandmother’s lifestyle has changed drastically thanks to the cornea transplant. She seems much happier and has become more spontaneous too. As a result, the whole family has gained a new sense of liveliness. Once again, we would like to thank you for everything your family has done for ours. We understand that it must have been difficult to see a loved one pass away, and that your family has suffered the grief that follows. Therefore, in order to commemorate James and his donation, we have embroidered his name, as well as your family name, and the date of the operation on a piece of fine cloth that is displayed on the wall of our living room. It acts as a reminder that while James has passed away, he was able to leave a legacy of kindness, and let another person gain a new chance at life, or at least a new understanding of it. We can assure you that your son and his kind donation will eternally be recognised by us.

May your family find peace and love and may your pain be eased at the thought of James still being able to see the world through my grandmother’s eyes.

Disclaimer: Please note that the views and opinions expressed in the essays for the Live On Festival 2021 are those of the participants and are not endorsed by the National Organ Transplant Unit (Ministry of Health).

To learn more about organ donation and organ transplantation in Singapore, please visit www.liveon.gov.sg