Myat Thinzar Nyein Ko, 13

School: Yishun Secondary School

Topic: Two interviews with a donor family

Award: Junior Category, 2025

Losing a loved one is an inexplicable, excruciating pain. For the Parker family, the sudden and ruthless death of 23-year-old Adam in a car accident left them reeling. However, in their darkest hour, the Parkers decided to fulfill Adam’s wish of being an organ donor despite their immense grief and despondence. Over the course of three months, I have interviewed the Parkers two times, one right after their heart-wrenching decision and another after they reflected on its impact on them. 

When I went to see the Parkers, their mourning was clear and raw. Adam was described as a vibrant, ambitious individual, full of dreams. I could tell the family was still in shock. 

“It was the hardest decision we had ever made, but deep down, we knew it was the right thing to do.” Adam’s mother, who wants to be kept anonymous, uttered, her voice breaking. 

Adam was a registered organ donor already, but when the doctors presented the Parkers with the decision, hesitation was lingering in the room. 

“Saying yes was like saying goodbye all over again,” his mother admitted, “but what was important was what Adam wanted.” Hence, the Parkers agreed to proceed. It was found that Adam’s organs went on to save five lives — his heart, liver, kidneys, and corneas each finding new purposes. The hospital staff guided them through the process and consoled them, although the attempts of comforting the Parkers were evidently futile. Some even thought this decision would make their mourning even harder. But at that moment, nothing felt right for anyone, but the family clung onto one hope — that something good would come out from their loss. 

Three months after the donation, I gave the Parkers a visit again. This time, however, I could sense that there was a newfound sense of peace — although the echoes of Adam’s absence surely did not leave. I questioned them how their perspectives on this decision shifted, and what they said is something I would never forget. 

“At first, I was saddened, and even quite angry at myself. How could I make such a decision, you know?” Siti, Adam’s sister replied, “but then we received a letter from one of the recipients.” 

The letter was from a 43-year-old father of three who had received Adam’s heart. He wrote how he had been on the verge of death and shuddered at the thought of leaving his little girls behind in fear that his wife alone would not be able to provide for themselves. This insidious fear lingered for days, until Adam’s heart gave him a future with his children. The words struck the Parkers — and me — as deeply as anything could.  “Knowing that Adam’s heart was beating in someone else’s… it gave us something to hold onto. After all, Adam was still here with us, in some way,” Siti added. 

Through support groups and conversations with other donor families, the Parkers found comfort. Something they learnt is that organ donation doesn’t just save lives, it heals those left behind. Adam’s kindness extended beyond his life and helped his family move forward. Because of Adam’s inspiring story, it sparked his friends to register themselves as organ donors as well. 

Although the Parkers still miss Adam every single day, they find solace in the lives he saved. They know that grief does not disappear, but knowing that Adam helped save many lives, including a family’s future, made the pain easier to bear. For anyone facing a similar decision, Siti offers these words: “Doing this won’t feel easy, but remember, your loved one’s story doesn’t end, instead, think of it taking a new form.” 

Their journey, though painful, is one of love, loss, and healing. Through Adam’s gift, life continues, showing that even in the depths of grief, hope will still bloom in the end.

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