Page 148 - 梁文燕紀念中學（沙田）－青苗文集

Helen Liang Memorial Secondary School (Shatin)

Letter To Organ Donor

(Senior Section) 4B Henry Li Ho Cheung

To the honourable family of the donor:
In light of the very tragic accident a few months ago, involving the death of a
teenager two years my senior, Paul, I have always had mixed thoughts whenever I
recall this incident.
I am Henry, a recipient, who was brought back to life from a coma caused by
cirrhosis. Your selfless decision of allowing several of Paul’s internal organs to be
transplanted has saved several lives besides mine. In my case, Paul’s liver was
transplanted, replacing my severely damaged liver. I am deeply depressed by the
death of your dear child, yet I am also very grateful for your difficult decision.
Prior to the death of Paul, I had been suffering from cirrhosis for six months.
My liver kept deteriorating, together with my body. I have heard from my doctor, Dr.
Gregory and my parents who visited me, that I was ill to the extent I ‘do not appear
to be alive anymore’. Dr. Gregory then stated that a healthy liver was required to
cure my disease, as damage caused by cirrhosis is irreversible.
I did not know about the accident before the surgery as I was in a coma. Dr.
Gregory recalls that he was desperately seeking for a suitable liver for me that he
was ‘fiercely competing with time’, when suddenly Paul was coincidentally sent to
the same hospital in which I was staying.
Paul was severely injured, and later deceased in a lethal car accident.
Suddenly, Dr. Gregory had a thought. I have been told that Dr. Gregory asked for
your permission to transplant Paul’s organs. After receiving your affirmation, Dr.
Gregory immediately performed the organ transplant operation. The operation was
successful and I recovered rapidly after the operation. According to Dr. Gregory,
I was restored to life like ‘Lazarus’, and even more surprisingly, my body barely
rejected the new liver.
Right now, I am again a healthy teenager. I continued my studies after a long
break, and I am reunited with my family and friends. From a nearly-dying patient to a
healthy teenager brought back to life, it would not be possible without you selflessly
allowing Paul’s liver to be transplanted. Now I clearly understand the definition of a
‘life saver’ – as I have been saved by one!

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