A Father’s Selfless Act: A Story of Love and Sacrifice
The Journey of a Father and Son
For father and son Ayub Abdul Ghani, 61, and Dr Mohamad Zulkifli, 28, Nov 19 will always remain in their minds as the day their bond transcended everything else and manifested in its truest form.
The Ordeal
Their ordeal started years earlier when Mohamad Zulkifli was diagnosed with stage five kidney failure and had to spend the next four years on haemodialysis. Seeing his son suffering, Ayub made the love-driven decision to help. The act gave Mohamad Zulkifli a second chance to live a near-normal life and stands as a powerful example of parental sacrifice.
Mohamad Zulkifli’s Journey
Mohamad Zulkifli’s journey with kidney failure began when he turned 24 years old. The next four years of his tertiary education at the International Islamic University of Malaysia in Kuantan, Pahang involved haemodialysis. Eventually, the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Medical Centre in Kuantan changed this to peritoneal dialysis, which is done at home.
The Decision to Donate
"I was diagnosed with stage five kidney failure while pursuing my medical degree. I felt a sense of despair upon learning that I needed to undergo haemodialysis. Soon, I was admitted to the hospital. When I first started on haemodialysis, I felt lethargic and dizzy but the symptoms settled down in time," said Mohamad Zulkifli, adding that his late mother was also diagnosed with kidney failure and underwent haemodialysis for five years before her death.
The Transplant
On Nov 19, Mohamad Zulkifli had his transplant performed by surgeons at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital. This marked a turning point in his life, putting an end to travelling back and forth between Kuantan and Kuala Lumpur for medical appointments. "I am grateful to have been given a second chance at life," he said, reflecting on how the transplant has given him hope of living a normal life.
The Impact on Ayub
For Ayub, his experience with the transplant forced him to quit cigarettes and become a strong supporter of the anti-smoking lobby. "Quit smoking for your own sake and the well-being of those around you. It is never too late to make a change. I feel far healthier today after quitting cigarettes than I have ever felt. I also feel a tinge of sadness that my son’s kidney failure was what prompted me to decide to finally give up cigarettes."
The Organ Shortage in Malaysia
Not everyone is blessed to have a transplant in Malaysia as the gap between supply and demand for organs is notably large. Data from the Malaysian Society of Transplantation (MST) showed that 9,608 child and adult patients are on the waiting list, with the highest demand being for kidneys. Only 3,250 transplants have been carried out since 1975. Over the past 10 years, Malaysia performed between 80 and 180 kidney transplants a year, with living donors making up between 70% and 80% of the transplants.
Conclusion
The story of Ayub and Mohamad Zulkifli is a powerful reminder of the importance of organ donation and the impact it can have on the lives of those affected by kidney failure. It is a testament to the love and sacrifice of a father for his son and a reminder that every life is precious.
FAQs
Q: What is the current state of organ donation in Malaysia?
A: According to the Malaysian Society of Transplantation, there is a notable gap between supply and demand for organs in Malaysia.
Q: How many transplants have been carried out in Malaysia since 1975?
A: Only 3,250 transplants have been carried out since 1975.
Q: What is the highest demand for organs in Malaysia?
A: The highest demand is for kidneys.
Q: How many individuals have pledged their organs in Malaysia?
A: About 382,020 individuals have pledged their organs, with the majority aged between 20 and 39.