Charlene Chua Qi En, 14

School: Anderson Secondary School

Topic: An email to encourage a student from your school

Award: High Distinction, Junior Category, 2025

Dear Paedyn, 

I hope this email finds you well. I just wanted to reach out and say how sorry I am for your loss, and I understand how difficult this must be for you and your family, hence I would like to send you my deepest condolences. 

Recently, I chanced upon a news article of a gentleman who donated his organs to benefit six patients after he passed away. As I read on, I was deeply saddened when I found out you were his daughter. My heart ached as I thought of the sorrow you had to endure. 

However, I must say that your father’s actions deeply moved me. It is heartwarming to know that there are still kind people out there who are willing to go the extra mile to save people’s lives. As you know, it is extremely difficult to find donors that are willing to help others in need. Patients that suffer from kidney failure can wait up to 8 years just to find a suitable donor. His donation not only saved one person’s life, but gave six people new-found hope and a new lease of life! Isn’t that inspiring? Your father’s nobility showed the true definition of kindness and generosity, which filled me with admiration and inspiration. His donation has shown the true values of a hero; not all heroes wear capes! I am sure that the patients are immensely grateful for your father’s noble actions, and that is a legacy you should be incredibly proud of. Not to mention that his altruistic act of giving life to others is extremely inspiring and heartwarming; his kindness has touched so many lives in the most meaningful way. My admiration for him is beyond words, and his kindness will always be remembered. 

His story has inspired me to consider donating my organs or blood in the future, and I hope you do so too! Our acts of kindness, big or small, have a lasting impact on others, and your father’s kindness will be felt for a lifetime; no words can describe how his story impacted me and inspired me to help others in need. 

As we honour his actions, I would like to remind you that I would always be here for you. I will never hesitate to lend you a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on in times like this. I know that there are no words that can take away the pain and grief you are currently facing, but please know that you are not alone in this! An old friend once told me, “Grief is a journey, and it’s okay to take it one day at a time.” Remember, grief is not a sign of weakness, it is how you deal with it that shows your true strength! If you ever need someone to talk to, do drop me a text! Sending you love! :) 

Love,

Charlene

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