#SHOWBIZ: I was brought back from the brink of death, says Taiwanese singer Tank

KUALA LUMPUR: Taiwanese singer Tank successfully received a heart and liver transplant last November and was discharged from hospital yesterday.AsiaOne reported today that the 43-year-old, who has hereditary heart disease, recounted his experience in a Weibo post.He said: "At the end of March 2024, my condition worsened, I was admitted to The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine for treatment.

"The doctors told me that my situation wasn't optimistic and only a simultaneous heart and liver transplant could cure my illnesses. This required not only suitable organs, but also a very complicated surgery."Tank, whose full name is Lu Jianzhong, is known for the hits Personal Angel and Give Me Your Love in the 2000s.



He revealed in Chinese music variety show Time Concert in 2023 that he had been absent from the stage for a decade because of a heart ailment.After suffering a heart attack in 2007, he had an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator installed in 2009 to regulate his heartbeat. His sister and aunt died of heart attacks in 2006 and 2007 respectively.

After the end of his tour, his health deteriorated rapidly with gradual heart and liver failure. He could not stand by September and eat from November."I felt hopeless.

I discussed with my doctor and agency boss about returning home to my family to spend my last days with them," said Tank.On Nov 21, 2024, he received news that a patient, who had been declared brain dead, would be donating his organs.Healthcare workers at the hospital transplanted the donor's organs to Tank in a 12-hour surgery.

"I was brought back from the brink of death, and the hourglass of my life has been flipped. I was reborn," said Tank.He thanked the hospital's healthcare team for their care and encouragement, and the donor for giving him a second chance in life.

"From this day on, we are one and the same. I will pass on this immense kindness endlessly. I live for myself and for you," he said.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd.