Ayra Sophia, 14

School: CHIJ Secondary

Topic: Your organ transplant journey as a teenager

Award: Second Place, Junior Category, 2024

Starting with me

The sterile scent of antiseptic hung in the air. The crisp white sheets shifted, making a soft rustle as I tried to find a comfortable position. There I sat on those sheets remembering the kids at school calling me names like Dora because of my LVAD device providing a constant flow of blood from my heart to my body which I always carried to keep me alive. I didn’t have many friends, but I did have a constant companion – the rhythmic beeping of the monitors. There was a time when I was not allowed to go to school but was confined to a room as the gentle swish of curtains were drawn back, revealing glimpses of the world beyond. I could hear muffled sounds of conversations drifting in from the neighbouring room of my parents talking with the doctors. No matter how many times I tried to get up to listen to their conversations, the steady drips of IV fluid only reminded me of the vulnerability and loneliness that I was trapped in.

As a teenager in need of a life-saving organ transplant, my journey has been one of profound challenges, intense emotions, and unwavering hope. From the moment I was diagnosed with heart failure, my life took an unexpected turn, navigating through a maze of uncertainty and fear. However, amidst the turmoil, there emerged a beacon of light - the promise of organ donation.

My journey began with a diagnosis that shook the foundations of my world. Suddenly, simple tasks became monumental hurdles, and the future I once took for granted seemed to slip further out of reach with each passing day as I sat by that bed. The constant battle against pain and fatigue became my new reality. Yet, amidst the darkness, I clung to a glimmer of hope - the possibility of receiving a donated heart that could offer me a second chance at life.

Each day brought with it a rollercoaster of emotions, from the overwhelming sadness of facing my mortality to the flicker of hope sparked by the generosity of potential donors. The waiting was excruciating, a seemingly endless ordeal that tested my resilience. Yet, through it all, I remained steadfast in my belief that somewhere out there, a hero would emerge to offer me the gift of life.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the call came - a match had been found, and a donor was willing to give me the precious gift of their organ. In that moment, a flood of relief, gratitude, washed over me. The transplant surgery felt as if it was a delicate dance between life and death that would ultimately reshape my future in ways I could never have imagined.

In the short term, the impact of the donated organ was an immediate and profound success. Suddenly, the fog of illness began to lift, replaced by a newfound vitality and energy that breathed into my weary body which I had never experienced. Simple joys, like taking a walk in the park or sharing a meal with my loved ones, and even going to school, took on a deeper significance as I savoured every precious moment of my healthy body.

In the meantime, the ripple effects of organ donation began to spread beyond my own life, touching the lives of my family, friends, and community. My recovery inspired others to become advocates for organ donation, sparking conversations and raising awareness about the importance of registering as an organ donor. Together, we formed a network of support that reached far beyond the confines of our immediate circle, spreading a message of hope and healing to those in need.

And as each step I take, I am always reminded of the true meaning of resilience, gratitude, and the power of human connection that the transplant has taught me. From the depths of despair to the pinnacle of recovery, it has been a journey marked by moments of both profound sorrow and unimaginable joy. It has inspired me to live each day with purpose and passion, knowing that I owe my life to the selfless generosity of a stranger. For that, I am eternally thankful and committed to paying forward the gift of life in any way I can.

Disclaimer: Please note that the views and opinions expressed in the essays for the Live On Festival 2024 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