Sng Rhui Li, 14

School: CHIJ Secondary

Topic: Email to aunt on her health

Award: High Distinction, Junior Category, 2022

Dear Aunt Nelle

How are you? Uncle has been very worried about your health lately. He noticed that you have returned to your previous unhealthy habits after receiving a deceased donor’s liver transplant three months ago. We are all very concerned about your heath, and I would like to encourage you to look out for it more.

Firstly, finding a suitable donor is a once in a lifetime opportunity that you should definitely cherish. While you have managed to find a suitable donor, many others are not as fortunate and waiting for the day that they can find a suitable donor to come. We often take advantage of the comfort and wealth we dwell in, not even batting an eye at those who are, instead, struggling to complete simple everyday tasks. Some even lose their lives after having waited for too long for a donor. Therefore, we should not take such an opportunity for granted and be considerate to others. I also believe that the family members of the donor would have wished for the recipient to take good care of the liver.

Secondly, such habits are not good for your well-being. Smoking leads to many diseases such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, while drinking can cause high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease and many more. Perhaps consider your loved ones that do not wish to see you in agonising pain. We hope to see you take good care of yourself so that we would be able to spend more valuable time with you.

Thirdly, you could start by going for counselling sessions. Many people resort to smoking and drinking due to the overwhelming pressure they are under. Going to counselling sessions and telling your counsellor about your problems may help you destress and feel more relaxed. I also understand that it’s hard to stop your bad habits all at once, so I would recommend setting goals for yourself. Take small steps, that way you will be able to stop drinking and smoking slowly but surely.

Through this email, I hope that you will be able to feel our heart-felt concern about our health and take a step in the right direction. Please also take my suggestions into consideration.

Yours truly
Shilina

Disclaimer: Please note that the views and opinions expressed in the essays for the Live On Festival 2022 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 ↗ (opens in new tab)