A father’s gift of life

For 51-year-old Teng Wei Kiat, fatherhood means more than love – it means giving part of himself, literally, to save his son’s life.

In December 2020, what started as a joyful family dinner turned into a night of fear. His then nine-year-old son, Zhi Jun, experienced fever and sharp pain near his swollen back, which caused him to cry out in pain. He was then quickly rushed to the hospital’s emergency department.

After undergoing multiple examinations, doctors revealed a startling truth: Zhi Jun had been born with only one functioning kidney, and it was now badly scarred. Years of undetected urine backflow, caused by a misaligned ureter tract, had silently but significantly damaged his only kidney.

A father’s resolve

Though his son’s condition eventually showed signs of stability with medication and the insertion of a ureteral stent, Zhi Jun’s kidney function continued to decline, eventually reaching the point of kidney failure. Faced with this daunting reality, the family was presented with two difficult choices: lifelong dialysis or a transplant.

Without any hesitation or lingering doubt, Wei Kiat made a heartfelt declaration – his son would receive a transplant, and he would be the one to give it. It was not a desperate decision – it was a father’s unwavering act of love and sacrifice.

The gift of a second chance

Before the transplant, Zhi Jun underwent home-based peritoneal dialysis, enduring the treatment for eight months with remarkable courage. Then, after four long years of medical care, patience and preparation, 20 November 2024 finally brought a day of hope and renewal. Together, the father and son duo underwent a successful living donor transplant – a moment that symbolised not only medical triumph, but Wei Kiat’s sacrifice and their extraordinary bond.

A journey of hope and healing

Now 14, Zhi Jun appears to be just like any other teenager, but he is still adapting to his new normal: going for regular checkups, taking medication and adhering to a strict diet. Though he sometimes grumbles at the restrictions and minor inconveniences, he knows how precious his new lease of life is.

He may not say it out loud but Wei Kiat can sense his son’s quiet appreciation. “He may not know how to express his gratitude,” Wei Kiat shares, “but I can feel it.”

“The moment I found out he needed a kidney, I didn’t hesitate. I would give anything to see my son healthy again.”

Teng Wei Kiat, a selfless father and living donor

Wei Kiat is also benefitting from NKF’s Kidney Life Donor Support Fund, which helps ease the financial burden of treatment. He is deeply grateful for the support that has enabled him to focus on caring for his son.

Through courage and a father’s selfless love, Wei Kiat gave his son not just a kidney, but the childhood, freedom and future every child deserves.

“Daddy gave me his kidney because he loves me. One day, I want to grow strong enough to take care of him too.”

Zhi Jun, a child’s love shaped by the gift of life