A Mother’s Desperate Search for a Liver Donor for Her Son
A mother’s love knows no bounds, especially when it comes to her child’s health. Vincy Lee, a 44-year-old permanent resident in Singapore, is on a heartfelt mission to find a liver donor for her 15-year-old son, Boon Heng. They have been seen distributing flyers around Clementi and Jurong West, hoping to raise awareness and find a match.
Boon Heng’s Health Struggles
Boon Heng has been battling sclerosing cholangitis, a serious liver disease, since he was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis at the tender age of five. After a successful liver transplant in 2017 at the National University Hospital, the family thought they had overcome the worst. Unfortunately, his condition has taken a turn for the worse, leading to portal hypertension – a dangerous increase in blood pressure in the portal vein that affects the liver.
Vincy describes her son’s situation as a “ticking time bomb.” She fears that if this continues, Boon Heng could face life-threatening complications. The doctor has advised that he needs another liver transplant urgently.
Challenges in Finding a Donor
Vincy had previously donated part of her liver to Boon Heng, making her ineligible to donate again. His father is also unable to help due to age and health concerns. To make matters worse, other relatives have incompatible blood types. Boon Heng’s blood type is O+, which limits the pool of potential donors.
Since July last year, Vincy has been tirelessly searching for a suitable donor. The family relocated from Malaysia to Singapore to facilitate this search. They have also set up a Facebook page to keep the community updated on Boon Heng’s condition.
A Young Life on Hold
Boon Heng has not been able to attend school for the past six months. He misses playing badminton with friends and has to wear a mask to protect himself from infections. He has been keeping up with online lessons and stays connected with his classmates through social media. “I hope to recover soon and return to school,” he shared.
Fundraising for the Transplant
In addition to finding a donor, the family is facing a financial hurdle. The estimated cost for the transplant is around $125,000, plus an additional $35,000 for the donor’s surgery. Vincy has started an online fundraising campaign to help cover these expenses. With their savings nearly depleted, the family is in urgent need of support.
How You Can Help
If you wish to help Boon Heng and his family, consider contributing to their fundraising campaign on Give.asia. Every little bit counts, and your support can make a significant difference in their lives.
Encouraging Liver Donation and Support
To inspire more people to consider liver donation or contribute to the fundraising efforts, here are some effective strategies:
1. **Education and Outreach**: Raise awareness about the importance of liver donation and its life-changing impact. Share information on the donation process and success stories.
2. **Personal Stories**: Highlight stories of individuals who have benefited from liver donations. Emotional narratives can motivate others to take action.
3. **Community Partnerships**: Collaborate with hospitals and community groups to promote liver donation initiatives and fundraising campaigns.
4. **Clear Call to Action**: Provide straightforward instructions on how to become a liver donor or contribute financially. Make it easy for people to take the next step.
5. **Incentives and Recognition**: Consider offering tokens of appreciation or public recognition for those who donate or support the campaign.
6. **Support Resources**: Offer guidance and resources for potential donors and contributors, including information sessions and counseling services.
Ultimately, the decision to become a liver donor or support this cause should be voluntary and informed. By spreading awareness and providing support, we can come together as a community to help those in need.