Christine Koh Kai Xin, 13

School: NUS High School of Mathematics and Science

Topic: Do donor families find hope in organ donation?

Award: Special Mention, Junior Category, 2022

A Living Legacy

A car accident resulted in the death of a 19-year-old. His parents were struck with both shock and grief. Without warning or reason, their young boy with a hopeful future was taken away from them. His body lay there motionless. Their emotions only grew all the more convoluted when the doctor had gently told them their son had volunteered for a full body donation.

Above is one scenario of organ donation. The idea of a family being proud of their loved one for saving a life through organ donation after he or she passes away may seem straightforward, but in reality, family members often experience many strong emotions - grief, disbelief, fear, hesitancy. Yet often, the prevailing emotion is hope - that their loved one lives on.

The young man’s decision to donate his organs gave life to the transplant recipients. He was also kind to his parents as well. His parents were spared the decision of whether to donate their son’s organs.

I confess - until now, I have not thought much about being an organ donor, or being part of a donor family. As an ordinary thirteen-year-old, I feel that if I were part of a donor family, I would find hope in organ donation. Not only would I be proud of my loved one’s for his or her selfless act, but I would also be grateful that someone else could have benefitted. My loved one’s act could bring hope and life to another family.

All donors leave behind a legacy. Their act changes another’s life for the better. Both a memory and a tangible part of them lives on.

I believe that rather than feeling a loved one is ‘taken apart’, donor families will inevitably take pride in their loved one’s compassionate act. Even more than a legacy left behind, a human life is saved. Donor families will undoubtedly still miss their loved one, but knowing another family cherishes their loved one’s memory is comforting. They will feel heartened by the knowledge that their loved one helped someone’s condition greatly or even save someone’s life.

I think donor families are aware that what made their loved one special was not his or her physical appearance, but rather their kindness. They know that their loved ones made a difference in life and death. The seeds that their loved ones planted will flourish. Through organ donation, donor and recipient families share a common hope that life lives on.

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