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Thursday May 18, 2006

Gifts of life

By LEE YUK PENG and EMMELINE TAN

PENANG: He died tragically at the age of 19 from brain tumour. But Teoh Chit Hwa’s act of donating his tissue and organs will give 35 people a new lease of life.

The college student whose ashes will be scattered in Taiwan had once expressed a wish to donate his organs, and when he was declared brain dead at the Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital in Kubang Kerian last Thursday, his organs were harvested for transplant.

His liver, heart and kidneys were immediately transplanted into waiting recipients. His bones, which were cut into smaller pieces, and skin are currently being kept at the USM Hospital in Kubang Kerian awaiting transplant.

His mother Yew Shot Foon, 55, said Chit Hwa, a former student of Chung Ling High School here, told them two years ago that he wanted to donate his organs, after being inspired by a Korean television series.

FAMILY LOVE: Chang Aun together with his wife Yew and daughter Wan Cheen recalling the good memories they had with Chit Hwa at their home in Batu Lanchang, Penang, yesterday.
“When Chit Hwa was brain dead and on life support in hospital, we were reluctant at first and did not give up hope as his heart was still beating,” said Yew, a seamstress.

“We decided at last to fulfil his wish before it was too late and the organs become useless.”

Eleven family members and friends, including his father Chang Aun, 56, and only sister Wan Cheen, 21, turned up at the Batu Gantong crematorium yesterday to collect his ashes.

The family will fly to Taiwan today to scatter his ashes in a river flowing into the Pacific Ocean that had been Chit Hwa’s favourite spot when his godfather took him there in January.

“He loved peaceful scenery and was a quiet boy at home. We only realised how active he was when his friends compiled a commemorative photo album for us,” said Chang Aun, an odd- job worker.

“Although he has died, it still feels like he’s alive because of his meaningful decision (to give away his organs).”

Chang Aun added that his son had a peaceful expression as he lay in his coffin, and even a young girl was not afraid to caress his face when paying her last respects before the cremation on Saturday.

Chit Hwa was initially diagnosed as having ulcers two years ago, and on Jan 12, doctors gave the bad news that he had a brain tumour.

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