5A Chan Ka Yi, Iris
A letter to an organ donor
Dear Mr. Wong,
It’s nice to encounter you in my life. My name may not ring a bell to you as I’ve never met you before. Yet, last year, I received a kidney from you and it has changed my life completely. I really want to show my appreciation to your generosity as it allows me to live a fruitful life again.
At the moment when I knew I was severe sick with my kidney, I was devastated. It was already a few years before. However, it is no news to hear that there is only a limited supply of transplantable organs from donation. We tried to stand a chance of having donation from kind people. But honestly, I didn’t believe it would ever happen. The mostly miserable thing was to witness the deaths of the others. At that every moment, I deadly hope to live but the low rate of organ donation just reminded me that I could mostly count my days in desperation.
Fortunately, this situation ended in last year. When my doctor told me that my sick kidney could be replaced by a healthy one, my mother and I could not help crying with joy. From then, I felt my original life coming back. The most obvious outcome is that I was no longer locked on the bed of hospital. I go back to school and enjoy a new school life with new classmates. They are amicable enough to accept me as part of them despite my older age. I can enjoy different activities or even do sports after my recovery.
Not only has my life turned over a new leaf, the relationship between me and my beloved is much closer. The meticulous care and support from my family contributed a lot to my desire of living when I was sick. The thing I should treasure most is actually my family and they are the ones who would always stand by my side and give unconditional support. Since I was healed, I’ve tried my best to spend some time on having chitchat or wandering around, just to make sure I am with them as I understand if I do not seize the chance, there may not be a chance for me to do so. The experience of being seriously ill definitely makes me change a lot and I can only express my heartfelt thankfulness to you to allow me time and opportunity to change.
Moreover, I have signed the form for organ donation after death. I used to be one of the patients, waiting for a suitable organ. I know exactly how desperate and gloomy it is. Your generosity inspires me to keep a watchful eye to organ donation. When I read the newspapers and knew that the limited supply of transplantable organs has made 3000 local patients and their families wait hopelessly, I felt strongly that I need to take action. This can not only save the lives of the patients but also the lives of their family, both emotionally and physically in some cases. That is why I am willing to take the lead in signing up for organ donation. Meanwhile I am also encouraging my family, classmates and friends to do that too.
If I can be saved by the others, I can also save the lives of the others. I thank you for saving my life and it is my turn to serve the others. I believe if each of us makes a little step forward, more people who need to wait for an organ will be gifted a new life.
Yours sincerely,
Iris