Friday, August 11, 2006

Doc praises dad for donating son’s organs

Star: MALACCA: A Malaysian father who consented to donate multiple organs and tissue of his 22-year-old son diagnosed as brain dead to save lives in Australia, has been praised for his kind deed that transcended country, colour and race.
“I am proud of George Lee for having done so at this unfortunate time when he lost a son, Danny Lee Guang Hui, here,” said Dr Lela Yasmin Mansor, chief transplant co-ordinator of National Transplant Resource Centre.
“A life is a life, and organ donation can be made anywhere to save lives. This has shown that public awareness of organ donation has increased,” Dr Lela said after learning about Danny’s donation made in Canberra Hospital at Woden on Wednesday.
On Aug 4, Danny, who was studying at a college in Sydney, was skiing at Selwyn Snowfields with friends when he fell 2,000m.
He was able to get up but complained of a headache. He collapsed the next day.
Danny was rushed to Canberra Hospital where he was diagnosed as brain dead.
His father, Lee, 50, a newspaper agent based in Kota Baru flew to Canberra and signed consent papers to donate his son’s heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, corneas, bones, limbs, pancreas, skin and blood.
Danny, who was on life support, was certified brain dead by two doctors with only a 5% chance of recovery.
Lee said he felt it was the right thing to do and this was the best way to teach people to donate organs.
He said Malaysia needed to do more on organ donation.
Danny did not sign up as an organ donor but told friends of his wish a few months ago.
Lee described Danny, who loved sports like volleyball, basketball and athletics, as an obedient and good son.
Danny was cremated in Australia and Lee would be taking his ashes back to Kota Baru.

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