6 People Receive New Lease on Life Thanks to the Organ Donation of a M’sian Woman

Malaysian Woman’s Generosity Lives On: Six Lives Saved Through Organ Donation

Wu Bimei, a 37-year-old entrepreneur, was the proprietor of Yangsheng Meizi, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) shop, which she managed alongside her husband, Ou Dequan.

Known for her benevolence, Wu had a reputation for caring deeply about those around her. Her warmth extended beyond her business, with many customers becoming close friends, as recounted by Wu’s mother in an interview with China Press.

This compassionate spirit persisted even after her passing, as Wu’s decision to donate her organs saved six lives.

The organs donated included a pair of corneas, two kidneys, and her liver.

Following the transplants, Wu’s family received news that all the recipients were experiencing improved health, a testament to her enduring legacy.

Mdm Bo, Wu’s mother, shared a particularly heartening story about one recipient who regained the ability to urinate independently after the transplant.

Here’s the inspiring story.

Declared Brain Dead Due to Air Bubbles in Vein

Tragically, Wu was diagnosed with an air embolism on 28 Oct. This serious condition, where air bubbles enter a vein or artery, can lead to strokes or heart attacks.

Typically, it’s a risk for scuba divers who may experience arterial gas embolism or decompression sickness, known as “the bends,” from spending too long underwater.

Wu’s condition led to multiple hospital transfers, culminating in her treatment at Sungai Buloh Hospital, a centre renowned for its neurology department.

On 31 Oct, Wu suffered a cardiac arrest. Despite successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) that revived her heartbeat, subsequent scans revealed brain shadows. Further examination confirmed brain death due to an earlier oxygen deprivation to her brain.

The doctors, noting Wu’s youth and the healthy condition of her organs, suggested organ donation as a possibility to the family.

Following this tragic brain death, a window from 2 am to 7 am on 2 Nov was chosen for the organ donation surgery.

Family’s Pride in Their Heroic Loved One

Wu Biyun, Wu’s elder sister, described her mixed emotions while waiting outside the operating room during the organ donation procedure.

The prospect of giving others a chance at a new life through her sister’s organs brought feelings of both sorrow and hope.

In the China Press interview, Wu Biyun reflected, “When we had to sign the organ donation agreement, after the doctors confirmed brain death, we felt a mix of anxiety and hesitation, wondering if the recipients would truly value Bimei’s organs.” Yet, they proceeded, comforted by the thought of Wu’s life continuing in a different form.

Wu Biyun added, “Considering that the organ recipients had been waiting long for a transplant, they would likely cherish this new beginning.” This belief was reinforced when the family learned of the positive outcomes for the organ recipients.

According to the doctor, Wu was Malaysia’s 40th organ donor and the sixth at that hospital since 2016.

The family viewed the alignment of her organ donation with Guanyin’s birthday as a divine blessing, reinforcing their belief in the righteousness of their decision.

However, Wu’s heart was not eligible for donation due to the CPR procedure, which can sometimes damage the organ, making it unsuitable for transplant.

Thanks to heroes like Wu, many lives have been saved, offering people a second chance at life.

In honour of Wu’s profound impact, some individuals traveled from Penang to pay their respects at her funeral, a gesture that speaks volumes about her influence and legacy.