Mary-Ann Ng Qi Xuan, 14

School: Chung Cheng High School

Topic: An email to a close friend who received a heart transplant on how to honour the deceased donor and his family.

Honouring the Gift of Life

Dear Amy,

I hope you have been feeling better lately and getting adjusted to life. I was thinking about our conversation at the hospital about your desire to show gratitude to honour the deceased donor and his family. I would like to share with you my thoughts about what you could do.

Living with a heart condition was tough. Knowing that you had to rely on a mechanical pump that ran on batteries just to stay alive made even the simplest chores, like showering, difficult. Watching what you went through was heartbreaking, and I can’t imagine the constant fear you and your family had to go through. Witnessing you receive the heart transplant felt like a miracle. It gave you a new purpose, a new home, and most importantly, a new lease of life. Since the transplant, you’re more energetic and livelier than ever; it really feels like a whole new you! I am overjoyed to see how you slowly regain confidence and rediscover your joy in life.

I also deeply admire and respect your wish of honouring the deceased family and donor. It reflects the same kindness and gratitude that have always defined you. One idea I have is writing a letter of gratitude to the donor’s family, thanking them for the new lease of life and how you will continue the legacy of the donor and live your life to the fullest. This letter is not to intrude on their mourning, but to let them know how you are doing, and how their loved one’s gift has given you hope and purpose for the future. Another idea I have is volunteering in memory of the deceased donor. You could volunteer at Singapore Heart Foundation to support those navigating the paths you once went through, understanding their difficulties and offering them a listening ear. Although this may seem like a simple act of kindness, it allows his legacy to shine through the lives you touch, creating an everlasting impact.

These ideas do not require many resources, but they leave a lasting memory that brings honour to the donor and brings comfort to his family. For the card, we just need paper, and some decorative pens and stickers. As for the volunteer work, we can sign up to volunteer together to bring joy to those who are suffering. We can even ask our family members to volunteer with us and spread hope and joy to those people; as more people volunteer, more lives can be transformed! Everyone has walked with you during this difficult journey, and we understand the importance of this gift to you; I believe they will be delighted to help pay it forward.

I look forward to your response and I just wanted to let you know that I will support the choice you make at the very end. By honouring his gift, we can ensure that his act of generosity is never forgotten.

Love,
Mary-Ann

Disclaimer: Please note that the views and opinions expressed in the essays for the Live On Festival 2026 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 ↗ (opens in new tab)