Brian Jeffrey
Numerous individuals who have received organs from brain-dead donors are now living full lives and some are eager to assist others in need.
At just 23 years old, Dat, born in 1990 in Dak Nong, fell gravely ill, as doctors diagnosed him with heart failure.
Having just completed university and entered the workforce, Dat’s dreams were abruptly overshadowed when he learned of his condition. He faced insomnia and a lack of appetite, worsening his heart failure from stage 1 to stage 3.
Dat found himself in dire straits, teetering between life and death, with physicians pessimistic about his recovery. Fortunately, he managed to overcome the odds against him.
In 2017, a life-changing call from Cho Ray Hospital informed him of a heart donation from a brain-dead donor. He acted as the first recipient of a heart transplant at this facility.
“I felt no fear at that moment. I realized if the surgery went well, it would mean another chance at life for me. If not, I would dedicate myself to medicine,” Dat remembered.
Beyond receiving a new heart, he was also the beneficiary of generosity from those who funded his surgery.
Now at 34 years old, Dat enjoys a healthy lifestyle. He adheres to routine check-ups and modifies his habits as advised by physicians. He holds a steady job and is engaged to be married next year.
He describes his recovery as a ‘miracle.’ Grateful for the heart donor, the surgical team, and all who contributed financially, Dat has started a business selling products from his hometown, Dak Nong.
This venture not only creates employment within the community but also allocates a portion of its earnings toward charitable efforts.
Dat expresses his gratitude, saying, “My family and I extend heartfelt thanks to the organ donor and her family. Their kindness not only saved my life but also benefited three others. I am deeply appreciative of the Cho Ray Hospital team, particularly the Cardiovascular Surgery Department, Dr. Dat from the Cardiovascular Department, the Social Work Department, and all benefactors.”
On March 25, the Social Work Department at Cho Ray Hospital received a heartfelt thank-you note from Pham Tran Le Tran, a 16-year-old girl who was the recipient of a kidney transplant from a brain-dead donor. The procedure took place on February 26, 2023, a month and five days after her 16th birthday.
This day marked a pivotal moment in Le Tran’s journey. Since the transplant, her health has significantly improved; she has grown four centimeters taller and gained 11 kilograms.
Now, she is able to pursue her ambition of returning to school after years of medical treatments. Currently, she is a sixth grader at a charity school located in District 7, HCM City.
Le Tran and her younger brother operate a modest grocery store in their rented space, supported by a loan of VND10 million from a kind neighbor. The small store generates a modest profit that assists in covering expenses for her brother, who also suffers from kidney failure.
“I have dreams for my future. I plan to study bartending, which suits my current health. With work, I can support myself, help my mother treat my brother, and provide aid to others in need,” she shared.
Le Minh Hien from Cho Ray Hospital mentioned that the hospital has seen a growing number of individuals reaching out to learn more about their organ donors who saved their lives.
However, due to confidentiality laws, information about the donors remains private. Thus, he encourages people to visit a temple where the hospital has arranged for monks to light incense and offer prayers for the deceased organ donors.
