4A (15-16) Natalie Chong
Thank You for My Life
Dear Donor’s Family,
I am writing to express my gratitude towards the organ donated by your loved one. I am sorry for your loss. I understand that this decision was not easy to make and no words can actually fully express my eternal gratitude.
Last year, I was one of the patients who was desperately in need of a liver transplant. It was more than appreciation when I was informed that a healthy liver was available for me. Before the news, I was depressed, hopeless and pessimistic because I felt that God had no mercy on me and just watched good people die. I was not ready to meet Death at such a young age. Thanks to your loved one’s generous donation, now I have got my life back. By life I do not just mean heartbeat, but everything, love, care, energy, happiness, family, friends…
Last year I missed the entire school semester due to liver cancer, and now I am back to the university to continue my study after a few weeks of rest, with a healthy liver, a precious gift received from your loved one. Though things have changed a bit, like all my classmates are not those whom I was with the previous year, my favorite professor Ms Brennan has already retired, and I am not who I used to be anymore. I have become so much more energetic that I go to the hospital to take care of patients suffering from cancer as a volunteer every Monday, sharing my recovery story and giving them mental support. I have gone through what they are currently going through so I understand how devastated they and their families are. I always tell them how thankful I am to receive an organ from someone I do not even know and I will always remember his grace. Organ donation makes you a true hero, that’s what I tell every one of them, as lives can be saved. I treat your loved one as my hero wholeheartedly.
To pass on what my hero has done, I have registered to be an organ donor recently. Therefore, if anything unexpected befalls me, there is still a chance for me to contribute to others. I did not find being able to reach out to others meaningful before I received the liver transplant. Presently I am in love with the feeling of assisting others; even if people do not ask for help, I will still do my best to offer help.
I would like you to know that your loved one and your family are all in my thoughts and prayers every single day. I do not take life for granted; I live to send love and care. I cherish those seconds spent with my family and friends as we never know when might be the last time seeing them. I would like to tell you once again that your loved one is still alive as he is living in another living soul.
Best wishes
Natalie Chong