Nathaniel Zachariah Tan, who died at age 27 from a rare brain disease last August, saved at least three lives through organ donation. According to the National Organ Transplant Unit (NOTU), Tan’s liver and kidneys were transplanted into three separate patients, while his iliac vessels remain stored for future surgeries.
NOTU confirms impact of Nathaniel Zachariah Tan’s donations
The National Organ Transplant Unit sent a letter of “heartfelt gratitude” to Tan’s mother, Queenie Tan, detailing the specific outcomes of her son’s decision to donate. According to the letter, Tan’s liver was transplanted into a 64-year-old man suffering from liver disease and liver cancer, a move that NOTU stated has changed the lives of the recipient and his family “for the better.”
Two women with chronic glomerulonephritis received Tan’s kidneys. One recipient is 52 years old and had been on dialysis for three years; the other is 35 years old and had been on dialysis for 10 years. NOTU stated these women “can now spend more quality time with their loved ones.”
Did You Know? Nathaniel Zachariah Tan’s iliac vessels—blood vessels supplying the pelvis and lower body—are currently stored in a bank to assist future liver patients during surgery.
Family reaction and memorial at Woodlands Memorial
Queenie Tan shared the NOTU correspondence in a Facebook post on Thursday, Aug 13. She told Mothership that while she initially didn’t know who would receive the organs, the letter helped her realize that part of her son “lives on.”
Speaking to 8World, Queenie Tan described the letter as a “pleasant surprise,” noting she didn’t expect someone to remember her son a year later. Along with the letter, she received a medallion, a certificate of appreciation, and a jar of origami stars folded by secondary school students.
On Aug 10, Queenie Tan visited her son’s final resting place at Woodlands Memorial. She placed the tokens there and selected 27 origami stars from the jar to symbolise the age Nathaniel was when he died.
Future implications for organ recipients
Because Tan’s iliac vessels are currently held in a medical bank, they may be used in upcoming surgical procedures for other liver patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who received Nathaniel Zachariah Tan’s organs?
His liver went to a 64-year-old man with liver disease and liver cancer, and his kidneys went to two women (aged 52 and 35) with chronic glomerulonephritis.
What happened to the iliac vessels?
According to NOTU, the iliac vessels are stored in a bank and will be used to help future liver patients during surgery.
How did Nathaniel Zachariah Tan express his wish to donate?
Before his death, he told his fiancee that he wished to donate his organs.
How do you feel organ donation impacts the grieving process for a family?
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