Shibata Sakura, 14

School: Kent Ridge Secondary School

Topic: Two interviews with a donor family

Award: First Place, Junior Category, 2025

A heart that still beats: A family’s journey through grief and giving 

Organ transplantation is one of today’s modern miracles, offering a second chance at life to those with organ failure. However, a critical shortage of donors persists. In Singapore alone, over 500 patients are on the waiting list, but only around 20 donors step forward each year. While medical incompatibility exists, the problem is also caused by a reluctance to donate, both on the part of living donors and families giving consent for organ donation after the death of their loved one. Why do so many hesitate to give the gift of life? Often, fear, uncertainty, and a lack of understanding towards organ donation stand in the way. 

To uncover the experience of donating a loved one’s organs, I offered my condolences and spoke with a family who had lost their son following a tragic car accident. He was only 20 years old. Amidst their grief, they made the painful but courageous decision to respect their son’s wish after he was declared brain dead. 

I met the Lee family just a day after their son, Joshua, had passed away. The hospital room was filled with quiet heartbreak. His parents and younger sister sat together, emotionally drained, their eyes swollen from tears. 

“I was very shocked when the doctors told us that he would not recover, even though his heart was still beating. I kept hoping he might wake up,” said Mrs Lee, Joshua’s mother. 

When the doctors enquired if they would be willing to donate Joshua’s organs, the family was thrown into emotional turmoil. 

“I struggled with the decision,” Mrs Lee admitted. “Agreeing to donate his organs felt like giving away pieces of someone we love.” 

His sister sobbed, “I never imagined that we would have to make the decision ourselves.” 

However, a memory moved them to donate his organs. 

“It was last year. Joshua participated in the wellness carnival at the community centre, where organ donors and recipients gave talks about their experiences. One of the speakers was a father who chose to donate his deceased daughter's organs, which saved 3 lives. That night, Joshua shared that he was deeply moved by the story and told us that he wanted to give his organs away when he died.” 

Mr Lee added, “I remember changing the topic. I didn’t want to talk about death.” 

However, Joshua’s wish lingered in their minds. “We realised that organ donation was the last act of kindness Joshua could give,” Mr Lee said. “We knew we had to honour that.” 

Finally, the family made the choice. Joshua’s organs, including his heart, liver and kidneys, were donated, giving new life to several recipients. 

When I visited them again three months later, the grief was still palpable, but something had changed. 

“We still cry sometimes,” Mrs Lee admitted, “but we also feel comforted.” 

She clutched the letter from a man who had received Joshua’s heart. “He was so grateful to have a real heart instead of a mechanical one. Now he could spend time with his family outside, a contrast to the mundane life in the hospital. This letter reminds us that Joshua’s heart is still beating; in some sense, he lives on.” 

“This was the assurance we needed that we didn’t make the wrong choice.” Mr Lee said, looking outside thoughtfully.

The family are now advocates for organ donation. They encourage their relatives, friends and community to learn more about the one choice that can save many lives. 

“I have started sharing about the experience with my relatives, in hopes that they would understand. I know now that love doesn’t disappear when an organ is donated. It remains in our hearts,” Joshua’s sister shared, placing her palms over her chest. 

Their perspective had shifted. What began as a desire to fulfil Joshua’s wish had grown into something more. It transformed into a hope that they could extend others’ lives. 

Joshua’s donation did not just save lives. It inspired others. Friends and neighbours, touched by the family’s stories, began learning more about organ donation. 

Organ donation is a difficult decision. It demands courage in moments of unbearable sorrow, but it is also an act of compassion. It offers others a second chance. It is a way to keep the spirit of their loved one alive. 

With millions still in need of organs worldwide, stories like Joshua’s are a light in the darkness. I hope this article will change your views towards organ donation and that more people would consider becoming donors.

Disclaimer: Please note that the views and opinions expressed in the essays for the Live On Festival 2025 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