He wanted his organs donated to help those in need.
A 27-year-old groom-to-be who suffered from brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) passed away and donated two kidneys, his liver and his iliac artery, leaving behind a legacy of love.
From a young age, Nathaniel Tan often suffered from headaches. It was only during national service that he was diagnosed with AVM. He passed away on Tuesday (Aug 12), his life ending at just 27 years old.
His 62-year-old mother, who works in performing arts training, shared at the wake on Friday (Aug 15) that her son had been complaining about headaches since Primary 5. The family thought it was nothing serious and did not pay much attention. It was only after he sought medical help during national service for severe headaches that doctors diagnosed him with AVM.
Doctors told them the only suitable treatment was Gamma Knife Surgery, but it could take three to eight years to see results, and there was also a risk of developing tumours.
Organs donated according to his wishes
Unfortunately, luck was not on Tan’s side. After the surgery, his condition did not improve. Instead, a brain tumour developed, and doctors said it would need to be monitored.
She shared that her son was originally scheduled for surgery next month to remove the vascular tumour. However, during a pre-operation check at the end of last month, doctors found his condition to be critical and warned that without immediate surgery, he could fall into a coma.
“That day, he suddenly felt numbness in his hand and went to the emergency department. Once he was admitted, he never came out again,” she said.
After surgery, he fell into a coma and eventually passed away on Tuesday. His organs were donated according to his wishes.
“He was a loving person. He told his fiancée before that if anything happened to him, he wanted his organs donated to help those in need,” she added.
Her son had wanted to donate 10 organs, but his heart, lungs and corneas did not meet the criteria. In the end, two kidneys, his liver and iliac artery were donated.
“To my knowledge, these organs will help four patients in need,” she said.
Planned to marry his girlfriend of 10 years this November
Last September, Tan proposed to his girlfriend of 10 years in Taiwan, using a song he had composed. The couple had planned to marry in mid-November this year.
“They were very much in love. After the proposal, they set aside more than $100,000 for the wedding, booked the hotel, ceremony and banquet,” said his mother.
She treats her son’s fiancée like a daughter and admires her strength during this difficult time.
Mother: My son was the Light of My Life
His mother shared that she was going through a divorce and grieving the loss of her own mother when she was pregnant with Tan. He became the light in her life and her motivation to carry on.
“He was funny and uplifting. Honestly, he supported me more than I supported him. For the past 27 years, he was my sunshine.”
Tan was a talented photographer who could sing, dance, play the guitar and drums. He was also once the host of a travel programme. “He was my pride,” she said.
Godbrother Jaspers Lai pays tribute
Local actor Jaspers Lai grew up with Tan and considered him an elder brother even before he entered showbiz.
In a Facebook tribute, Lai called Tan “GORGOR” and described him as an angel.
“At the very last moment when you saved lives, everyone applauded you.”
Tan did not want a traditional funeral and wished for guests to dress in bright, colourful clothes.
Well-loved by many
Kind and friendly, Tan had many friends. On Thursday night (Aug 14), close to 200 people came to pay their respects, reported Zaobao.
Tan’s mother said her son used to take care of children at church. What started as two or three children grew to 20 or 30, and they all came to the wake to bid farewell to their “big brother.”
She added that on Friday night, another 200 to 300 people might come.
“He touched so many lives when he was alive. We all believe he was an angel.”
