Zhou Yi, 13

School: Yusof Ishak Secondary School

Topic: Your organ transplant journey as a teenager

Award: Distinction, Junior Category, 2024

Organ Transplant

The journey began when I was just a teenager, grappling with the harsh reality that my life depended on an organ transplant from a kind-hearted person. Every day was a blend of hope and fear, the anticipation of a phone call that could change everything and the dread of what might happen if it never came.

My condition was a failing heart, which meant I couldn't do what most teens can easily do. Sports, late-night outings with friends, even simple activities like walking to school became harder day by day due to this condition. Visiting the hospital was frequent to me, and every time I visit the hospital, it reminds me of the precariousness of my situation. The beeping machines, the sterile smell, and the number of needles entering my arms each time. Despite the support from my family and friends, I often felt isolated, trapped in a waiting game where the stakes were my very life.

Emotionally, it was a rollercoaster. There were days filled with hope and happiness, spurred by news of potential matches and advances in medical technology. But there were also dark days, consumed by fear and frustration, afraid of leaving my family and friends. The uncertainty gnawed at me, making it hard to plan for the future, and even dreaming about it seemed impossible. Would I get to graduate? Go to college? Have a normal life?

The day the call came, it was surreal. I was overwhelmed with a mixture of relief and terror. The surgery, the recovery, the possibility of rejection—all these thoughts flooded my mind. But underneath it all, there was a glimmer of hope, a chance to live again, finally being able to do normal things others can do.

Receiving the donated organ was nothing short of a miracle. The surgery was a blur, a haze of anaesthesia and medical terms. When I woke up, I felt a profound sense of gratitude and responsibility. Someone had given me the greatest gift of all: time.

Recovery from the surgery was challenging, filled with physical therapy, medications, and constant monitoring. But with each passing day, I felt stronger, more alive. I could do things I hadn’t done in years: run, laugh without losing my breath, even just enjoy a meal without the looming threat of illness.

This second chance at life changed me profoundly. I learned to cherish every moment I had with my family, to appreciate all small amount of joy, and to live without taking anything for granted. It made me become passionate about organ donation, advocating for others in need and spreading awareness about its importance.

The impact on my future was immense. I went back to school, graduated from primary school, and even got into my dream secondary school. The experience of organ donation gave me a unique perspective, driving me to study more about organs and medicine, hoping to one day save lives just as mine was saved.

My journey from despair to hope, from waiting for an organ to receiving it, taught me resilience and the power of human generosity. It was a journey that transformed me, giving me not just a future, but a purpose of living a happy life and appreciating everything I have.

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