Eshwar Mitran Shankar, 15

School: Punggol Secondary School

Topic: Email about your father’s gift

Award: Distinction, Senior Category, 2022

Dear Uncle John,

I hope Auntie Mary and Jason are doing well. I was shattered when I heard from papa that you are diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure. It hurts me to see you spending most of your time in bed. I hope your hemodialysis treatment is going well. I know that papa wants to donate his kidney to you, but you felt that it would be too much trouble for him. However, receiving a kidney transplant as soon as possible is essential for your wellbeing so I feel that it is crucial that you accept papa’s offer.

I read online that while dialysis helps to support the damaged kidneys, it may not be the most ideal solution for you in the long term. Papa told me that you have to keep track of medications daily, which you find inconvenient. You fear that you may forget to take a certain medication, so you are often stressed trying to remember to take each medicine. This has taken a toll on your usually active lifestyle. Medication plays an important role in supporting the kidneys. Dialysis treatment on its own can only do part of a healthy kidney’s function, as dialysis only removes waste products and excess fluid from blood. The kidney also helps produce essential vitamins which improve immunity, so medication is essential so that the body is well nourished.

Moreover, I heard that you feel lethargic after dialysis treatment, so you spend most of your time in bed. This is a common side effect for dialysis patients, often caused by the food restrictions while undergoing the treatment and loss of kidney function from its failure. Thus, you are worried about how you are going to support your family since you are unable to go to work. Jason is keen on pursuing his degree in the United States, which can cost a hefty sum. You used to be an avid runner who took part in many marathons during your younger days. The image of a speeding missile flashes in my memory when I see photos of you in your racing attire. I also remember the time when you used to take part in singing competitions and sang with a beautiful voice. You were part of a volunteer organization before your diagnosis and used to help distribute food to the needy as you wanted to help the less fortunate live fruitful lives. You also went out with your friends often on public holidays. However, ever since you got your diagnosis, you feel lethargic and have to go to the hospital every few days to undergo dialysis. Thus, you are unable to go out often and give up your active lifestyle, as you are forced to stay home most of the time.

Papa had told me that you registered your name for the deceased donor waiting list. I read on the National Kidney Foundation’s website that waiting for a kidney can take an average of nine years. That means that you may have to live through the inconvenience of dialysis for another decade or so, before you are able to return to your normal lifestyle. Staying at home for prolonged periods of time may also affect your mental health as you cannot socialize often. Thus, it is important for you to get a kidney transplant as soon as possible so that you can get back to your normal life quickly. Living kidney donation has a shorter waiting time than waiting for a kidney from a deceased person. However, I understand that Aunt Mary suffers from a weakened immune system due to her diabetes. Jason is underage to be a donor and he would only reach the minimum required age in four years, making them both ineligible to donate their kidney. Hence, I urge you to accept papa’s offer.

When mama had to be admitted into the hospital due to a rare condition, you recommended an experienced specialist who could help her feel better. You also consoled papa when he was worried about her. Within a few months, she recovered, and papa and I are forever grateful for your support. Without your help, she would have not been able to recover. Papa just wants to help his older brother in the best way he can, so that you can live a happy and fruitful life. You have been a selfless man, striving to help the less fortunate and loved ones as is evident by the activities you were part of in your life. Do not worry. Living kidney donation is a harmless process and has been done by many people in the past. It is also possible for people to live on with one kidney, provided they keep a healthy lifestyle. Papa will be able to work and support the family as per normal after a short duration of rest and his lifestyle will not be compromised, while he ensures that your life improves.

Please accept my father’s offer. I do not want to see you suffer like this. All of us want to see you live a life, free of any burden and discomfort and get back to your active lifestyle. Well aware of your altruism, I am sure you would have made a similar sacrifice, if any of your loved ones had suffered from kidney failure. My father has undergone a health check and does not have any medical conditions that will threaten his ability to donate his kidney to you. Thus, he is suitable to be a living organ donor. Mama, papa, and I will support you and your family to the best of our ability. During the weekends, I will come to your house to help Aunt Mary do the chores. I hope I can hear from you soon. I wish you well and hope you will get better soon.

Love,
Tom

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