Cherry Thwin, 15

School: Evergreen Secondary School

Topic: Two interviews with a donor family

Award: Junior Category, 2025

A story of giving 

Organ donation is proof that one life’s end may be another life’s only hope. That even after death, the story of giving continues. However, during dark times, heartbreak strikes, and a dilemma is left to the living: to give or to hold on. Which choice would they seek closure from? 

A couple learned of this cruel fate when their daughter, Logan, was pronounced brain dead after a sudden stroke caused by cerebral aneurysm. The same twenty-year-old who had just been alive yesterday lay motionless on the bed, face tranquil. Amidst their heavy hearts, they had planted a seed of hope: one that would give others a second chance to live. 

The decision to let go 

“I was angry,” admitted Mrs Tan. “I suddenly lost my little girl, and now they ask me to let go of her, piece by piece?” She clutched her husband’s hands like a lifeline, trembling. “I just want to hold her again.” 

“I remember a conversation we once had and her exact words.” Mr Tan whispered, his gaze drifting into the past, “‘Dad, Mom, I want to donate my organs when I die to save people.’ It was right after her aunt’s— my sister’s—funeral, who died waiting for a heart transplant. I knew that she was fighting back tears during the whole funeral. Her eyes told me everything I needed to know—scared, but filled with fierce determination. She meant every word.” 

“We were concerned. She was nineteen, too young for a commitment like that, but after a heart-to-heart talk, we understood her feelings. She did not want others to go through the despair she did. She was close to her aunt. They were two peas in a pod. Even her love of gardening was inherited from her aunt.” 

“We respected her wish, thinking we had more time. That was a year ago.” 

Mrs Tan’s eyes were shiny, her lips quivering. 

“Her compassion knew no bounds… like how she meticulously nurtured the garden. Our garden prospered because of her.” Mrs Tan added, eyes glistening, “She spent hours in the garden, giving colour and life to it, the same way she did to our lives.” 

When the time came, they knew they had to honour her wish. Mr Tan continued, “She asked if we would do that for her if she died first. It was a sore topic; her dying first was unimaginable. However, we made our promise.” 

The decision was not easy. They were at the crossroads between vows and bereavement. Should they prioritise others over their own sorrow? Finally, Logan’s wish was fulfilled; her heart, corneas and kidney were donated to strangers waiting for the blessing of continuation. 

Three months after the decision 

Three months have passed since that day, yet for the Tan household, time dragged by endlessly. Grief no longer hung in the air like a burden but instead settled quietly into the background. The absence of Logan was still profoundly loud, but they made a wise decision. 

During the three months, they had received heartfelt messages from recipients of Logan’s organs, each of them profusely thanking them for their brave and admirable call. Each of them is a testament to the life Logan continued to give. 

“Every person had a story, a story that was able to embark on a new chapter because of Logan’s decision.” Said Mrs Tan, a small smile on her face as she turned to her husband, “I remember when I was still unsure of the donation. Thinking, ‘Was it really worth it? What if the operation of the transplant failed?’ When I went deep down into the hole of uncertainty, my husband was there, reminding me of her wish. The letters were an assurance that we did the right thing.” 

One letter had messy scrawls that said, “Thank you Logan. I can see what the world looks like again, and it’s amazing! I can see colourful flowers and the colourful world! My favourite are tulips and I grew orange tulips for you in my garden!” When they first read it, they could not contain their emotions for the young girl, one who is living life to the fullest. 

“It still breaks us, watching the world moving on as if she is still here, but we find peace in knowing that parts of her are still thriving, giving other people a second chance in life.” 

In the Tan’s garden, a cluster of orange tulips stands out from all the plants. They stayed vibrant, even on the darkest days.

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