Sibu dad hopes daughter's gift of sight inspires others
(From left) Kim Hock, Chieng and Dr Nanthakumar at the event highlighting organ donation in Sibu.
WHILE coping with his daughter's death, a father has found solace in her final act of generosity – the donation of her corneas.
Prior to her death in 2022 due to a stroke, Kho Sze Yii, 30, had pledged to donate her corneas to give someone else the gift of sight, her father Kho Kim Hock, 70, said.
'Through her gift, her eyes live on and continue to see the beauty of this world,' Kim Hock said through tears as he was consoled by Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng at an event highlighting organ donation.
During the Hospital Sibu Organ Donation 5km Fun Run in Permai Lake Garden, hospital director Dr Nanthakumar Thirunavukkarasu presented Kim Hock with a medal to recognise the selfless act.
Kim Hock shared that Sze Yii's cornea donation had enabled his family to find peace.
'It brings us comfort to know that the recipient is able to see loved ones, to see the sunrise and beauty of nature,' said the Johor-born Kim Hock, who operates a coffeeshop in Sibu, Sarawak.
He is calling on Malaysians to consider becoming organ donors.
'We hope more people can follow my daughter's example.
'Talk to your family. Sign up,' he said.
'You never know which part of you might change someone's world,' he added.
Kim Hock also advised people to take care of their health and go for regular checkups.
Dr Nanthakumar said the transplant of Sze Yii's donated corneas was successfully carried out in the same year as her passing.
He expressed hope that Kim Hock's story would inspire others.
'Stories like this help break the stigma around organ donation,' Dr Nanthakumar added. — By ANDY CHUA
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