Wong Wan Ting, 14

School: CHIJ School (Secondary)

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

So Glad You're Back (And Beating!)

Dearest Anushka,

How are you? I’ve been staring at my phone waiting to send this. To be honest, I didn't realise how much I relied on our daily rants until it was quiet for a few weeks. I’m so relieved the surgery was successful, and I hope you’re going back to full “HP” (Health Points). Seeing you at the hospital breathing easier and looking more like your vibrant self feels like you finally hit the “Respawn” button after being stuck on a loading screen for months.

I kept thinking back to our PE lessons, whenever we played baseball and you ran out of breath, cursing the heart disease that held you back during your favourite sport. Although you’d be breathing slightly heavier as we continued to play, we would be on standby looking out for you with your water bottle, telling you not to overexert yourself. Seeing you stay strong despite those “laggy” days taught me to cherish my health. Your resilience fighting these battles daily will never cease to amaze me. Now, seeing you hold this “Gift of Life” as the pain fades is the purest happiness I’ve ever known. My own heart feels about ten times lighter knowing yours is beating strong now. You’ve taught me so much about being brave. Even though I am not the receiver, seeing you free from that laboured rhythm makes me thankful to your donor. Honestly, Anushka, the school hallways were 50% less loud without you. It was so boring for me. Seeing you awake and bossy again is the best thing that’s happened all year.

Remember our conversation about honouring the donor? I’ve been brainstorming! What if we plant a “Tree of Life” in the school garden? It would represent the donor’s selfless sacrifice, which has allowed you to lead a better quality of life. It’s a living way to say “thank you” to his family and show them that his legacy is literally growing and blooming. To make this a “co-op mission”, we could get our classmates to help paint the commemorative stones to place around the base.

I’m planning to ask the principal for permission for a spot in the school garden to plant this tree. Also, it will give life and beauty back to our school community. For resources, we just need some soil, seeds, and maybe a few splashes of glitter (okay, maybe no glitter for the plants, but definitely for the stones!). I’ve already scouted the “resources” – aka I’m going to beg Ms Tan to use CCE time for stone painting. Also, the entire Netball squad and class are “locked and loaded” to help and they’ve been asking about you every five minutes. I can’t wait to help you bring this idea of yours into action!

I cannot wait for you to finally be discharged so we can finally duo again. I promise I won't let you get “sniped” by any more homework while you recover! “GG” (Good Game), bestie.

Yours truly,
Wan Ting

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)