Malaysia’s longest survivor with donor heart dies

Frankie D’Cruz | FreeMalaysiaToday

Albert Gunaratnam defied expectations by living over 26 years with a transplanted heart.

Albert Gunaratnam’s life was a testament to the power of medical advancements and the selflessness of a donor, whose heart gave him decades of love and purpose.

Albert Gunaratnam’s life was a testament to the power of medical advancements and the selflessness of a donor, whose heart gave him decades of love and purpose.

PETALING JAYA, Jan 14: Albert Gunaratnam, Malaysia’s longest surviving heart transplant recipient, whose life became a symbol of hope and medical progress, has died.

He defied expectations by living over 26 years with a donor heart.

Albert passed away yesterday, aged 76, at the National Heart Institute (IJN) where his extraordinary journey of survival and organ donation advocacy began in 1998.

He became Malaysia’s second heart transplant recipient on Good Friday, April 10, of that year.

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The procedure was made possible by the noble act of a 22-year-old athlete who had tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident in Ipoh.

This medical milestone would give Albert not just a second chance at life but also a mission to inspire others.

IJN’s Dr Azmee Mohd Ghazi oversaw the care of Albert Gunaratnam for the past 15 years.

IJN’s Dr Azmee Mohd Ghazi oversaw the care of Albert Gunaratnam for the past 15 years.

Dr Azmee Mohd Ghazi, IJN’s clinical director of heart failure and heart transplant, said Albert’s life was a shining example of how one act of kindness can ripple through time, touching countless lives.

“His journey from despair to inspiration was one of courage, gratitude and untiring dedication to promoting organ donation

“His longevity became a beacon of hope for patients waiting for transplants, and a testament to the incredible potential of modern medicine combined with the generosity of organ donors,” he said.

The second chance

When doctors performed his heart transplant, they hoped the procedure would give him a few more years.

Albert defied all odds, living for an astounding 26 years and nine months with the heart received from the young man who was brain-dead.

After reading about Malaysia’s first heart transplant operation in 1997, the donor told his mother that if anything happened to him, all his organs should be donated.

The mother allowed her son’s heart and other organs to be harvested for transplant. He saved eight lives.

Albert Gunaratnam with IJN doctors and nurses after the heart transplant in 1998 (left) and (right) exercising at the heart institute.

Albert Gunaratnam with IJN doctors and nurses after the heart transplant in 1998 (left) and (right) exercising at the heart institute.

His blood type was the rare AB positive and Albert was the only compatible recipient on the waiting list for a heart.

That in itself is miraculous because according to most blood type distribution data, only around 2-4% of the world’s population has AB positive blood, making it one of the rarest blood types globally.

Within two weeks of registering with IJN’s organ transplant waiting list, he underwent the operation, led by then cardiothoracic surgery chief Dr Yahya Awang and Dr Ahmad Salahuddin.

After the surgery, the man who had suffered a massive heart attack and was given six months to live before the transplant, requested his favourite dishes, rasam (a spicy South Indian soup), fried fish and porridge.

Albert Gunaratnam holding his granddaughter Chloe Paul, with grandson Benedict Fernandez by his side, on the cover of IJN’s heart care quarterly in 2010.

Albert Gunaratnam holding his granddaughter Chloe Paul, with grandson Benedict Fernandez by his side, on the cover of IJN’s heart care quarterly in 2010.

According to his daughter, Jacinta, her father would later develop a liking for pasta, something his young donor reportedly fancied as well.

Heartfelt legacy

Dr Azmee said Albert lived an active life, proving that organ transplant recipients can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.

Azmee oversaw the care of Albert for the past 15 years, taking over from Dr David Chew in providing optimal treatment, including medication management.

“Albert used his second chance to give back to society, participating in IJN campaigns and events to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation.

“By sharing his story widely, he offered a deeply personal perspective on how the selfless act of one individual — his donor — changed the trajectory of his life and brought immense joy to his family and friends.

“He became a symbol of resilience and gratitude, reminding everyone that the gift of life is precious and should be cherished,” he said.

Azmee said the story of Albert, a former executive with UMW-Toyota in Shah Alam, underscores the urgent need for more organ donors in Malaysia.

Last year, IJN carried out three heart transplants and there are now 30 patients on the waiting list for donors.

In 1997, technician R Sathrugnam, who was diagnosed with end-stage heart failure, and had been on the transplant list for seven months, was told he had 48 hours to live.

On Dec 18, he received a phone call from IJN that a heart donor had been found. Soon the country heard about Malaysia’s first heart transplant operation.

Since the first successful human heart transplant by Dr Christiaan Barnard of South Africa on Dec 3, 1967, there had been thousands of transplants worldwide until 1997, but locally such operations were unheard of.

Sathrugnam died of lung cancer at the age of 54, almost three years after getting a new lease of life.

Devotion to family

Jacinta said her father often spoke about how his transplant allowed him to witness milestones he never thought he’d see — birthdays, graduations, and the everyday joys of life.

“He was eternally grateful for the incredible gift his donor and IJN gave him.

“Without it, he would have lost the chance to see my sister Cynthia and I grow up, walk us down the aisle, and play with his four grandchildren,” she said.

The heart transplant allowed Albert Gunaratnam to witness the everyday joys of life with his daughters Cynthia (left) and Jacinta (right) and his wife Terry.

The heart transplant allowed Albert Gunaratnam to witness the everyday joys of life with his daughters Cynthia (left) and Jacinta (right) and his wife Terry.

Jacinta said they were fortunate to have had him around for such a long time after his transplant.

“He gave us many precious years as a family when he and mum could make more memories together, and spend time with their grandchildren as they grew up.”

Albert’s wife, Terry Nelson, a cancer survivor, died of lung fibrosis in 2023, aged 75.

A call to action

As Malaysia grapples with a critical shortage of heart donors, Albert’s legacy serves as both an inspiration and a call to action.

To honour individuals like Albert and the donors who make such stories possible, it is vital to foster a culture of organ donation.

This involves breaking down barriers, addressing fears and misconceptions, and encouraging open conversations about the importance of giving life through organ donation.

Albert’s journey is a reminder that every pledge matters, and every donor has the power to change lives.

By continuing his advocacy and promoting awareness, Malaysia can ensure that more people receive the second chance they so desperately need.

The funeral mass will be at 10am tomorrow at Tamil Methodist Church, Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur.