In a heart-rending pursuit of a life-saving liver transplant, 15-year-old Boon Heng and his mother have turned to the streets of Singapore, distributing flyers to find a suitable donor.
The Malaysian teen, a permanent resident of Singapore, is grappling with end-stage liver disease, diagnosed in April 2023.
This marks his second battle for a liver transplant, the first being in 2017, with his mother as the donor.
Ongoing health issues since the age of 2
According to give.asia, Boon Heng’s medical journey started at the tender age of two, facing persistent health issues leading to the discovery of his swollen liver.
His condition, auto-immune hepatitis, was diagnosed in Singapore after initial medical assessments in Malaysia.
The successful transplant in 2017 gave him a temporary respite, allowing him to resume his education in Malaysia.
Boon Heng experienced a significant deterioration in his health in late 2022.
Concerned about his condition, his parents promptly took him back to the National University Hospital in Singapore. Unfortunately, their gravest concerns were validated as Boon Heng received a diagnosis of end-stage liver disease, intensified by severe portal hypertension.
This condition resulted from a recurrence of primary sclerosing cholangitis in his previously transplanted liver.
The severity of the situation hit home when, during a gastrointestinal endoscopy, the medical team discovered large gastric and duodenal varices.
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These varices posed an ongoing threat of spontaneous rupture, which could lead to life-threatening gastrointestinal hemorrhages.
Boon Heng’s life now hung in the balance, and the only viable solution within the next three months was a repeat liver transplant.
Unable to find a donor
However, despite initial hopes, four to five potential donors did not match the required criteria.
Besides, financial constraints add to the family’s plight, as they aim to raise S$215,000 (RM752k) for the transplant and related medical expenses.
The estimated surgery cost for Boon Heng liver transplant would come up to around S$140k (RM490k), and the donors assessment cost would cost at least S$8k(RM28k) per person (assume that they will need to test at least 5 donors, which total to S$40k(RM140k) + surgery at S$35k(RM122k) = S$75k(RM262k), total add up to around S$215k (RM752k).
The search has extended to social media, with regular updates on Facebook, yet a suitable donor remains elusive.
Decided to give out flyers to look for donors
Opting for a grassroots approach, Boon Heng’s mother, Li (transliteration) decided to take to the streets with flyers.
The inspiration struck after she noticed mailers in her Jurong East block’s mailbox, according to Mothership.
Initially contemplating the idea of printing and distributing mailers, she dismissed it due to cost concerns. Since Li left her job in Malaysia, the family has relied on her husband’s income as a mechanic.
I decided to try giving out flyers in person instead. At least, if people reject me and return the flyer, that’s one less piece I would have wasted,” Li explained.
Starting from January 6, both Li and Boon Heng began their rounds, distributing printouts in areas like Jurong East, Queenstown, and Clementi.
While this method has been in practice, Li reported being contacted by one potential donor. However, the person expressed hesitation regarding undergoing further blood tests.
NUH Responds
NUH, where Boon Heng is receiving care, has acknowledged their awareness of the case to Mothership, emphasizing their support for the family while respecting patient confidentiality.
The hospital, however, does not engage in public donor searches, directing interested individuals to the National Organ Transplant Unit (NOTU) for assessment and potential donation.
How you can help
To aid Boon Heng, the public can contribute through the family’s Give.Asia donation appeal or contact Li, Boon Heng’s mother, directly via WhatsApp.
