An organ donation 43 years ago gave two brothers more decades together
GEORGE TOWN: For 43 years, retiree Woo Kok Ming lived with just one kidney – a testament to the unconditional love he had for his elder brother.
It was 1982 when the then restaurateur made the life-changing decision to donate one of his kidneys to save his elder brother, Kok Hing, who was battling kidney failure.
It was a sacrifice that gave his brother another chance at life.
Kok Ming died on Monday at the age of 71.
His brother Kok Hing had died earlier in 2012 when he was 62.
Speaking at Kok Ming’s wake in Relau on Wednesday, Kok Hing’s widow, Chiew Yok Lean, 73, tearfully recalled the moment that changed their lives.
“My husband was suffering from kidney failure.
“Among the nine siblings who came forward for testing, Kok Ming was the best match.
“Back then, there was a lot of stigma around organ donation. Even now, many people still struggle to find suitable donors,” she said.
It is Chiew’s wish that Kok Ming’s story might inspire others to consider organ donation.
“I hope more people will come to understand how vital organ donation is.
“Look past the misconceptions. It can truly save lives,” she said.
Kok Ming’s son Jensen Woo Hon Chung, 38, said his father was still single at the time of the donation.
“He was focused on building his career then.
“Yet, without hesitation, he chose to give his brother a second chance at life.
“My father saved a life and gave our family many more years to cherish together.”
Hon Chung said that his father faced many challenges, “but he never let that slow him down, and continued to live a fulfilling life”.
“He retired about 10 years ago. He spent his remaining years surrounded by family and friends until he succumbed to a lung infection,” said Hon Chung, who is a businessman.
He hopes that his late father’s story will serve as an inspiration to others in stepping forward as organ donors and supporting organ transplants.
“There are still so many people waiting for transplants, but unfortunately, some sadly never get the chance, as the need far outweighs the supply,” he said.
Besides Hon Chung, Kok Ming leaves behind his wife, Koong Cheau Mei, 64; two other sons, aged 30 and 35; and two grandchildren.
Kok Ming has been cremated at the Batu Gantung columbarium.
Information on organ donation can be found at www.dermaorgan.gov.my, www.facebook.com/dermaorgan and twitter.com/dermaorgan.
