Purnima’s parents were devastated to learn that their only child had severe kidney failure. Purnima was a bright, active young college student, a topper in her class. “As parents, we were ready to give her our kidneys” her father recounts tearfully, “but sadly we were not a match. In 2002,we decided to travel to CMC Vellore to save her life.”
At CMC, Purnima’s family met the doctors and nurses. She started dialysis (CAPD) to remove waste products from her body. “Initially my mother would change the dialysis bag 3-4 times a day. Then I learned to do it myself. For 6 years I was on daily dialysis. Each day of my life was like a special blessing. During this time, I completed my studies in journalism, management and became a lawyer.” Her family desperately hoped for a match for Purnima – for a kidney donor to give their daughter a new lease on life.
“Just when we had given up hope, the nurses called saying I was matched with a cadaver kidney donor (deceased organ donor). I was rushed in for renal transplantation surgery. Recovery from the operation was a very painful time. I didn’t have the energy to get out of the hospital bed. My family and the CMC team gave me the strength I needed to get back on my feet and live a normal life.”
It is nearly 12 years since Purnima’s kidney transplant surgery at CMC. Today she is a successful High Court lawyer. She takes care of her parents as they grow older and frailer. “Despite various complications, God has given me the gift of life,” says Purnima.” I will never forget CMC’s role in my recovery. Please support CMC and help save lives of patients like me.”
Friends like you make it possible to give young women like Purnima a new lease of life! Donate to CMC today and save lives.
Thank you for your support,
Hugh Skeil
Development Office, CMC Vellore
PS. CMC performed India’s first successful kidney transplant in 1971. Every year, nearly 100 patients get a new lease on life through renal transplantation done by our teams of Nephrologists and Urologists
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