Frederika Fadilah Binte Khairul Nizam, 14

School: Dunearn Secondary School

Topic: Two interviews with a donor family

Award: Distinction, Junior Category, 2025

Aarav’s Gift of Life 

When I met the Sharma family just hours after they had made the painful decision to donate their son Aarav's organs, the room was filled with sorrow. Their eyes were bloodshot from tears, their voices shaking. But behind the sadness lay an unwritten resolve: one that was rooted in love, courage, and a desire to honor Aarav's dying wish. 

Aarav Sharma was 24 when he died in a fatal accident on his return from a weekend trek. A lively, kind-hearted young man, he had, a year ago, registered himself as an organ donor – a choice that would change the lives of at least six individuals. 

Interview One: "We decided to pay tribute to him, even in our grief." 

Speaking to Aarav’s mom, Meena Sharma, as soon as it was a done deal, she whispered through tears, “It was the hardest ‘yes’ ever to say. But when the doctors said there was no hope, all I could think about was what Aarav would have done. He believed in giving, in helping.” Rajesh, Aarav’s dad, was in accord with her. "He talked to us once about organ donation. We didn't pay much attention to it then. But when the time came, his words came back to our minds. Saying ‘yes’ felt like we were still holding on to him, like part of him would live on.” Their decision was met with disagreement by members of the extended family and even the closest friends. Some questioned whether it was premature, others apprehensive about religious or cultural impacts. But the Sharmas knew why they were doing what they were doing: Aarav had made a decision, and honoring the same was their way of sustaining his spirit. 

A Ripple Effect of Healing 

In the following days, Aarav’s organs saved or altered six lives – a 9-year-old girl who received his heart, a mother of two who received a second chance with his liver, and four others whose lives were transformed through kidney and cornea transplantation. The transplant coordinator at the hospital later shared with me, “It's not often one sees such determination in a mourning family. The Sharmas took their darkest hour and gave hope to others. Their choice will resonate throughout the lives they touched.” 

Interview Two: Three Months Later – “He lives on, not just in memory, but in others.” 

When I returned to the Sharma home three months later, the atmosphere had shifted. Sorrow remained, but it had been tempered by purpose. “There are still mornings I wake up wishing to hear his voice.” Meena held a framed photograph of Aarav. “But now, I also think of that little girl who dances with his heart pumping inside her. That gives me strength.” Rajesh was working with an organ donation awareness organisation in the area. “We notice how many families hesitate because they’re not educated or they’re afraid. If Aarav’s story helps one family, then that’s another way he keeps giving back.” There were also unsigned letters from two of the recipients extending their heartfelt thanks and describing the new joy they were experiencing. 

Reflections and Differences Between the Two Interviews 

The contrast most evident between my first and later interview with the family wasn’t how they felt emotionally, but their greater peace and pride. Initially, their choice was simply an agonising act of love. But over time, it was a legacy of intention and compassion. The original hurt had already started to shift into advocacy. Where every word was once consumed by grief, although there was still balance sorrow, it had now been balanced by meaning. “We still weep,” Meena said softly, “not only from missing him, but also from knowing how much light he left behind.” 

The Sharmas’ story is not just one of loss, but also of resilience, courage, and the silent strength of keeping a loved one's wishes. In choosing to donate amidst their grief, they did not just save lives, but defined what it means to love past loss.

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