Nur Rizqah Binte Rahman, 14

School: Yusof Ishak Secondary School

Topic: Your organ transplant journey as a teenager

Award: High Distinction, Junior Category, 2024

The Miracle

The walls of the hospital room seemed to close in on me as I lay on the soft comforter, surrounded by beeping machines and sterile white linens. At just fourteen, I found myself in a battle I never anticipated, a battle for my very life. The doctors had told me that my only hope for survival was a lifesaving organ transplant, but finding a suitable donor seemed like an impossible task.

My journey began months ago when I first started experiencing the symptoms. At first, it was easy to dismiss the fatigue and occasional feeling of dizziness as just being an average tired teenager. But as time went by, my condition worsened. Simple tasks, like climbing stairs or even walking to the bus stop became monumental challenges. And then came the diagnosis. My heart was failing, and without a transplant, I didn't stand a chance.

Emotions ran wild within me. Fear, anger, sadness, and a profound sense of injustice. Why me? Why now? What about Ma and Pa? They would be devastated. I can’t just leave them! The uncertainty of it all weighed heavily on my shoulders, threatening to crush me beneath its burden.

Amidst the darkness, there was a glimmer of hope, waiting for a miracle - the possibility of a donor. Every day felt like a waiting game, I prayed for a miracle. Then, one day, it happened. A match had been found, a selfless individual who had made the decision to give the gift of life even in their passing.

The day of the transplant was a blur of nerves and anticipation. As I was wheeled into the operating room, I couldn't help but feel a mix of gratitude and guilt. Gratitude for the chance at a new lease on life, and guilt for the knowledge that someone had to die for me to live. It was a heavy burden to bear, but one I knew I had to carry with honour.

The surgery itself was a success, but the road to recovery was long and arduous. There were days when the pain was unbearable, when I felt like giving up and surrendering to the darkness once and for all. But then I would remember the donor, the person whose sacrifice had given me a second chance in life, and I would find the strength to push through.

Slowly but surely, I began to regain my strength. With each passing day, I grew stronger both physically and emotionally. The simple act of taking a deep breath without feeling like my chest was caving in filled me with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Every beat of my new heart was a reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.

Receiving the donated organ not only saved my life but also reshaped my future in ways I never could have imagined. It gave me a newfound appreciation for the fragility of life and the importance of living each day to the fullest. No longer did I take anything for granted. Every sunrise, every laugh, every hug was a gift to be cherished forever.

Perhaps the most profound impact of the transplant was the newfound sense of purpose it instilled within me. I was no longer content to simply coast through life, taking the path of least resistance. Instead, I was determined to make the most of this second chance, to honour the donor's legacy by living a life of meaning and significance.

In the years that followed, I dedicated myself to advocating for organ donation, spreading awareness about the importance of registering as a donor and discussing last wishes with loved ones. I wanted to ensure that others wouldn't have to endure the same agonising wait for a transplant that I did.

Though the journey was filled with challenges and uncertainty, receiving a donated organ transformed my life in ways I could never have imagined. It taught me the value of resilience, the power of hope, and the beauty of the human spirit. And for that, I will be forever grateful for the miracle.

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