Giving life after death

Cherished: During Joan’s wake many of her customers came to pay their last respects, says Esther.

KUANTAN: In life, she touched the hearts of many. And in death, she breathed life to those in need of organs and tissue.

That was Joan Goh, a 37-year-old businesswoman who suffered an illness that rendered her brain dead.

Her liver, kidneys and corneas were donated with her family’s consent.

In telling the story of Joan, her elder sister Esther recounted that Joan had a headache and vomited, so she sought treatment at a hospital here on Oct 28.

“She was transferred to the general hospital where they detected the risk of an aneurysm happening. Joan needed surgery and she was then sent to Hospital Sungai Buloh where it could be done,” Esther said when contacted.

On Oct 30, Joan’s heart suddenly stopped before she was successfully resuscitated via CPR after 15 minutes.

“Joan was breathing but she never regained consciousness. By then, the doctors said she was possibly brain dead and there was virtually no chance of recovery,” said Esther.

While awaiting further tests, Esther said doctors suggested an organ donation to help others since Joan was young and her organs were in good condition.

“The doctors’ explanation on the process was very clear,” Esther said.

“We asked our mother, Joan’s husband and son, and they decided that this was the right thing to do. They gave their consent later,” she said.

Once it was confirmed that Joan was brain dead, the operation to harvest her organs and tissue for transplants was performed on Nov 2.

“If I am not mistaken, my sister’s organs went to five recipients. I just hope that they cherish the gift and take care of themselves.”

Joan ran a traditional Chinese medicine shop here with her husband.

Esther described her sister as a patient, caring and tender person, who had touched the lives of many.

“We didn’t realise it until her wake. So many of her customers had become her friends. They came from all over, including other states, to pay their last respects,” she said.

For now, the family is taking comfort in knowing that her organs had helped restart the lives of others.

According to data from the National Transplant Resource Centre, only 861 Malaysians had their organs donated since 1976.

This year, there were 62 organ donors out of the 26,565 who pledged as of September.

Despite already pledging to be an organ donor, consent from the next-of-kin is still required after the donor’s demise.

Information on organ donation can be found at www.dermaorgan.gov.my, www.facebook.com/dermaorgan and twitter.com/dermaorgan.