Serene Lee

I did not have a heartbeat on my own. I had to rely on a mechanical pump that ran on batteries to keep me alive. The diagnosis was not entirely unexpected for me as my mum had the same condition. However, I did not expect the disease to manifest so severely that when I was first diagnosed at the age of 30, I was left with just 12% of the normal heart function.

It was not easy having to adjust my lifestyle to accommodate the mechanical pump. The batteries weighed about 2kg and simple daily tasks, like showering became such a chore. I had to cover the batteries with cling wrap every time I showered. My diet was affected as I had to take blood thinners. I could not consume any soy-based products as they could thicken my blood and clot my pump.

I had mixed feelings when I was told that there was a heart available. I was excited because it was rare to have a suitable heart but at the same time, I understood that it meant that someone had just passed on.

The new heart gave me a new purpose, a new home. No words can describe how grateful I am to my donor's family, for giving me this new lease of life. I have always been part of the patient support group, even during the days before my heart transplant. With a new heart, I walk the wards and care for my fellow patients.

I will continue the legacy of my heart donor and live my life to the fullest.