Elizabeth Yeo Le Qi, 14

School: Anglican High School

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

Award: Merit, Junior Category, 2023

Picking up the call, I heard a familiar voice. One that I have heard since I was a toddler, and have spoken to ever since. It was Sasha, my best friend. After 10 years of waiting, the time finally came. As I patiently waited and intently listened to the words between sobs, I felt tears forming in my eyes. Tears of gratitude, joy, relief, worry, and fear. It was impossible to believe my best friend’s heart transplant had taken place, and it was not a dream, nor a desperate wish, but a reality.

I had never thought that this dream would ever become reality, not after her being on the transplant waiting list for a decade. So much joy and relief filled me to learn the fact that Sasha had more freedom now, and we could hang out without having to worry if the sun would set after her being admitted to the hospital once again. It was a light at the end of a long tunnel, and I was overjoyed that her pain was finally ending. Her parents did not have to worry about Sasha constantly anymore, both emotionally and financially. A long season of pain and helplessness met hope and love. The overwhelming joy lifted my spirits.

Now that the transplant was completed and she was out of the operating theatre, all I could ever mutter was a ‘thank you’. A ‘thank you’ to the donor’s family. I was filled with compassion when I thought back on the donor’s story. For Sasha to have received a heart transplant, another family would have had to grieve and struggle over the death of their loved one. I could not comprehend the immense pain the donor’s family went through. Still, the heartbeat of the newly transplanted heart inside of Sasha was definitely a testament to their love and kindness.

It definitely was not the only testimony that was shown to me. Over and over again, I was reminded of the courage Sasha showed the past decade. Except when she was hospitalised, Sasha never once missed a day of school, despite all the pain and discomfort she endured. She chose to lead a life of determination and strength instead of worrying about the negative comments and remarks peers in school made. Of course, she would not have been able to do so without the support of her parents. The many times I saw them bawl their eyes out in front of the operating theatre, yet they never failed to put on a smile when Sasha was in sight. The long hours of work just to earn that extra amount for their daughter’s treatment showed me how strong-willed they were towards saving their own child.

At last, the years missed hanging out together could finally be compensated. I looked forward to hanging out at each other’s homes and having sleepovers in our rooms, not hospital wards. Additionally, to shop at large malls together instead of taking short walks along the corridors of the hospital to occasionally purchase snacks or drinks from the vending machines. We could spend quality time together with our loved ones doing things we were not allowed to enjoy in the past.

However, not every emotion I had was desirable. The worry, the pressure, the fear still lingered. Worry about a new season of pain in the future, the pressure to protect her from any harm, and the fear of losing her one day. I was not sure if her heart will beat on forever, or if it will stop just like Sasha’s own heart did. I was afraid that Sasha would be hurt, and it was something I would never risk. I was worried that both of us would not have enough time to do everything we wanted to. I tried to see things in a positive light, but I couldn't help but think that the transplanted heart would not last forever and that Sasha had to keep herself healthy or I might really lose a best friend. Moreover, the transplant did not mean a full recovery and I was worried about how she would cope with it.

Despite these, I chose to focus on the good news that my best friend now had a second chance. For her, to receive a transplant was like being born again. It was such a precious opportunity - the start of what could be an exciting and memorable life, and I wanted to help her fulfil it.

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