Computer programming expert donates corneas to two patients

KOTA KINABALU – A computer programming expert who died due to medical problems has given new light to two patients suffering from vision problems through organ donation at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (HQE), here recently.

Jonathan Ho, 47, was the ninth organ donor in Sabah this year.

Sabah State Health Director Datuk Dr Asits Sanna said the donor's family agreed to donate a pair of corneas (eyes) after being informed that they were still suitable and can help restore the sight of patients in need.

"Family members described the deceased as a friendly, cheerful person who always wanted to help the needy without hesitation.

"The family members also feel grateful after being informed that the donated corneas have been successfully transplanted to two patients at HQE and hope they can lead a better life," he said in a statement on Sunday.

Asits said that the donor was a graduate of Computer Information Systems from Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu, United States in 1999.

"The deceased who hailed from Kampung Tuunon Kolopis, Penampang, was an expert in computer programming, active in the programmers' association.

"The deceased was also often involved as a guest speaker in workshops related to information and communication technology (ICT) to help the community in Sabah explore the field more deeply," he said.

Asits said the Sabah State Health Department (JKNS) expressed its condolences and expressed appreciation to the family for the donation.

"May the soul of the deceased rest in peace and may the family be given strength to face this loss.

"JKNS also expresses its appreciation and gratitude to the families of other organ donors who chose to keep the identity of some of the donation cases that have been carried out this year a secret," he said.

Previously, HQE recorded eight cases of cornea (eye) donation and HQE II recorded one case of various organ donation involving liver, kidney and cornea this year.