Goh Shi Qi Kayleen, 14

School: Yusof Ishak Secondary School

Topic: Two interviews with a donor family

Award: Merit, Junior Category, 2025

The Tragic Loss of Tiffany Chong – An Interview with Her Loved Ones 

The loss of a loved one is often a sorrow that can never be fully understood until it’s experienced. Tiffany Chong, a paramedic who would run around every day, saving every precious second to save every life with her own hands, sadly passed on in a tragic incident. This left the Chong family extremely heartbroken and disoriented. However, amidst their grief, they decided to honor their daughter’s wishes and donate her organs. 

Part 1: Processing their life-altering decision 

I interviewed Tiffany’s parents on their thoughts and feelings after deciding to honour their daughter’s wishes. 

It was in the middle of a very silent, lonely night. The first night after Tiffany was pronounced brain dead after a tragic incident during her paramedic job. Tiffany’s parents decided to make the life-altering decision that night. Tiffany’s mum, Sarah said as she sobbed, “The doctors told us that she was brain-dead already, we sobbed terribly, we couldn’t process everything that happened. It all happened so fast.” 

Tiffany’s Dad, David, said, “The day before that incident, we were all having dinner together and eating happily. Then suddenly, the next day, Tiffany was pronounced brain dead…” 

David and Sarah gathered around Tiffany and stayed by her side the whole night till the sun rose. David then remembered that she had the organ donor card. He took it out and both parents just stared at it, not knowing if they should follow through with her wishes. They said, “We constantly reminded ourselves that Tiffany would’ve wanted to help others even when she died and to honour her wishes instead of what we wanted.” 

“We talked about it for hours, in between our tears and overwhelming thoughts,” Sarah said, as she started tearing up again. 

“As her parents, it was the hardest decision we had to make in our entire life. We couldn’t let go of our beloved daughter, we spent every single day with her the last 23 years, and suddenly she was gone. It was so hard to process. But like we said, we had to honour her wishes instead of insisting on what we wanted. And what she would’ve wanted was to help others. Hence, we decided our final decision was to allow her organs to be donated,” David said. 

Sarah continued, “Tiffany was constantly in our minds, and I guess that really motivated us to grant her wishes.” 

In that early morning, David and Sarah clung onto Tiffany’s wishes and gave an answer to that life-altering decision. Both parents knew it was what Tiffany would’ve wanted, but it did not make that pain of letting go any easier. 

“I feel like I’m losing her again, and it’s just so painful. I miss her so much.” Sarah said, trembling as David hugged her tightly. 

David whispered, “I hope those organs will help other families not feel the way we feel right now. It will all be worth it.” 

Part 2: 3 months later, healing. 

Three months after Tiffany’s passing, the family has begun to navigate life without her. The grief is still there, but it has transformed into something different — a quiet acceptance and peace. 

As I asked them what it was like after Tiffany donated her organs and her not being around anymore, both parents said, “It was truly an experience that was really hard to get used to. Not being able to see our cheerful daughter coming back from work and buying us our favourite food, constantly looking out the door at 8pm, usually time for her to reach home from her shift…” David and Sarah shed a tear as they recalled those times until 3 months ago when Tiffany just left. 

“But now, we are slowly starting to appreciate and live in the moment. Because we learnt from Tiffany’s passing that we should really appreciate the people around us and treasure every moment, because you never know when another person will leave you. We can also feel Tiffany around us and protecting us.” David said. 

I asked them, “After seeing Tiffany donate her organs, would you two be willing to do so as well? What was it like seeing all the people who received Tiffany’s organ donation?” 

David and Sarah thought for awhile, and Sarah replied, “I think I’ll definitely donate my organs after I pass on as well. Because we’ve heard so many appreciative messages from the recipients of Tiffany’s organs.” 

David continued, “It was truly an unforgettable experience. I remembered this one 5-year-old little girl that had liver failure and received Tiffany’s liver. That young girl’s name is Tiffany too. After she heard the news, she was so happy she was smiling so much despite her fatigue, she sat up and hugged me and Sarah so tightly. That was truly when we realised it was actually worth it.” 

David and Sarah went on to share that after the little girl Tiffany finished her liver transplant surgery, they went to visit her. She looked so much healthier a week after the transplant and they were so happy for her. Tiffany’s family wrote cards and well wishes to David and Sarah because they were so thankful for their daughter’s kind act. 

I asked, “Okay, one last question. Why did you choose to accept this interview? Especially the earlier interview when you just lost Tiffany.” 

David and Sarah replied, “It’s just because we want Tiffany’s story to be heard. Not all heroes wear capes, the tiring job of a paramedic can be dangerous as well. And we hope that this story can raise awareness on the importance of treating these healthcare workers with care and respect. We also want this story to inspire others to pay it forward and help other people in need too. Even if it’s just a small gesture, it’ll truly help others.” 

A change from devastation to hope 

In the earlier days, they were uncertain of how to cope, and every thought of donating Tiffany’s organs brought tears. But now, in hindsight, they recognised that Tiffany’s decision, though heartbreaking, has given them purpose. They have become advocates for organ donation, and in doing so, they have found a path to healing. Their story is one of transformation, from the depths of despair to the heights of hope — a story of love, loss, and giving, that will resonate with anyone who has ever faced unimaginable grief and found strength in turning it into something life-affirming.

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