Annis Wong, 14

School: Bedok South Secondary School

Topic: Describe how you feel hearing someone close, receiving a heart transplant

Award: High Distinction, Junior Category, 2023

A New Lease Of Life

This seemed unreal. Both Janelle and I would have laughed into your face if you told us 2 months ago that Janelle would be diagnosed with heart failure but here we are.

Janelle walked in, her eyes puffy and red. It had been 2 hours since she found out that she had advanced heart failure and she needed to carry a mechanical device - VAD, to help her heart pump blood from the heart’s lower chambers to the rest of the body. Sure, there were alternatives, but the doctor himself said this was the safest way. Everyone around her had been walking on eggshells, cautious not to say the word ‘heart’ as she would fly into a huge rage, thrashing and turning her room upside down.

Although she had come to terms with her diagnosis, racing thoughts were invading my mind - what if she needs someone to lean on during this time? I stared at the ceiling above, the unembellished white walls looking interesting. Despite her being fastidious to others, she was cherubic and the one who stayed by my side, protected, and held me when times were rough.

I felt a cloth being lightly thrown on my face, making me snap out of my thoughts. I hadn’t realised I was crying. I looked towards Janelle who assured me not to worry. We laid side by side and talked about the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator to substitute the VAD, the risks alongside with new opportunities that could be given to her. When we dozed off, both of us felt like a burden had lifted off our shoulders.

It'd been 2 days since we talked. Janelle ate 3 slices of fruit every meal. She complied with the demand and every 2 weeks, when at the doctor’s, the test results seemed to be optimistic. I was on the way to Janelle’s house. She had called me earlier that day and requested I go over. I was puzzled. Janelle wouldn’t ring me up for no reason. The moment I stepped into her house, I was dragged into her room where she revealed the most shocking and exciting news- she could have a new heart! 1 hour prior to me visiting her house, she had gotten a call from the hospital stating that there was a heart she could receive and immediately rang me.

I was elated that Janelle was given this chance but felt terrified thinking about the complications that could arise during the surgery. What if an infection occurs? A coronary allograft vasculopathy? What would happen if she passed away on the operating table?! Only 50% of the patients that did the operation came out alive. I prayed no complications would arise during the surgery and she would come out ebullient. I was following Janelle and both of our families for support on May 20th, one day later.

Whoever said accompanying a person into surgery would not be stressful was completely wrong. My stomach felt queasy, bile rising to my throat just thinking of sending Janelle off into the OT. I was close to begging Janelle to rethink her decision but I knew better. The donor’s heart could only be kept for so long until it couldn’t be used anymore. I didn't want to take this chance away from her. Our families stood outside the operating theatre and waved Janelle goodbye as if she were going to war.

12 interminable hours later, I paced back and forth wondering how the operation was progressing. It was 2 hours more than the usual time taken for a transplant for someone with a VAD. Suddenly, the operating theatre doors opened. Dr Chen, the surgeon in charge who oversaw everything, stepped out. He had beads of sweat on his forehead due to the long hours in the theatre. My heart palpitated so hard as I heard the words leave Dr Chen’s mouth “Not to worry, the operation was successful and she is currently resting. You can see her.” We released a sigh of relief and thanked Dr Chen for his team's efforts.

Thankfully, Janelle woke up 18 hours after the anaesthetic wore off. She showed much more exuberance which we were grateful for. We prepared fruits for her and promised that we would go to her favourite restaurant. I was euphoric that Janelle was doing great. That was 2 months ago. Now, Janelle and I can finally revert back to the old days and live our lives to the fullest.

Disclaimer: Please note that the views and opinions expressed in the essays for the Live On Festival 2023 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