Introduction

In a remarkable story of love and sacrifice, Ayub Abdul Ghani, 61, made the heartbreaking decision to donate a kidney to his son, Dr. Mohamad Zulkifli, 28, on November 19, marking a transformative day in their lives.

The Diagnosis

This emotional journey began when Mohamad Zulkifli was diagnosed with stage five kidney failure at just 24 years old, forcing him into a grueling four-year battle with hemodialysis.

The Emotional Toll

The road was not easy for the young medical student, who was at the International Islamic University of Malaysia in Kuantan, Pahang. He recalls the despair of his diagnosis and the physical toll it took on him, leading to frequent hospital admissions.

A Father's Determination

After years of rigorous treatments, which included switching from hemodialysis to a more manageable home-based peritoneal dialysis, the emotional weight of watching his son suffer drove Ayub to take action.

"I was devastated to see him in pain," Ayub recalled. "The doctors laid out the risks and benefits of a transplant, and without hesitation, I knew I had to help him." His determination to save his son was so powerful that he found the strength to quit smoking, a habit he struggled with since his twenties.

Overcoming Addiction

Ayub expressed the challenge in overcoming his addiction but emphasized the importance of family support. "It was hard, but I knew I had to do it for Mohamad Zulkifli," he stated, showcasing the depth of a father’s love.

The Life-Changing Surgery

The surgical procedure took place at the prestigious Kuala Lumpur Hospital, and Mohamad Zulkifli described the transplant as a life-changing moment.

"I am immensely grateful to have received such a precious gift. This transplant has opened the door to a future I once thought lost," he remarked, reflecting on his hopes of living a normal life free from the burdens of regular hospital visits.

Advocacy for Change

The impact of this experience transformed Ayub beyond being just a donor; he emerged as a passionate advocate for anti-smoking initiatives, passionately voicing, "Quitting smoking is essential—for your health and for those who love you. It’s never too late to change your life for the better." He acknowledged the bittersweet reality that it took his son’s health crisis to motivate him towards a healthier lifestyle.

The Organ Donation Crisis in Malaysia

This powerful story, however, highlights an alarming reality in Malaysia: the disparity between the number of patients awaiting organ transplants and the available donors.

The Malaysian Society of Transplantation (MST) reports that over 9,600 patients are on the waiting list, mainly for kidney transplants, while only 3,250 transplants have been performed in the country since 1975.

In the past decade, Malaysia has averaged only 80 to 180 kidney transplants a year, creating a pressing need for more living donors.

The Call for Awareness

Dr. Mohamad Zaimi Abdul Wahab, a transplant nephrologist at Hospital Kuala Lumpur, emphasized the importance of organ donation awareness. Currently, approximately 382,020 individuals have pledged to donate their organs, but there is still a critical need for more awareness and commitment to this life-saving cause.

Conclusion

As the stories of Ayub and Mohamad Zulkifli illustrate, the gift of life is not only a medical miracle but also a powerful testament to the strength of family bonds and the profound impacts of compassion and selflessness.

Through their journey, they hope to inspire others to consider the importance of organ donation—perhaps making a difference in the lives of countless others waiting for their second chance.