Did you know that in India around 1.5 to 2 lakh patients require a donor for kidney transplant but only about 4% receive it? Arasan* is among the few who could get a live organ donor. He shares his life changing experience with us:
In 2009, I was a basketball player in college enjoying life as any young man. But life took an unexpected turn. I was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and needed to either have a transplant or undergo dialysis for life. The diagnosis was difficult for my family. My mother offered to donate her kidney. However, after initial tests, we found that because of our different blood groups, there was only a 10% chance of success of the transplant. Despite the odds, my mother was determined to go ahead with the transplant – no matter what the outcome. Much to all our relief, the surgery was a success! 15 years later, both my mother and me are healthy. I am married, blessed with two beautiful children and I run my vegetable shop.
Arasan’s transplant, with the donor and recipient of different blood groups, was the first of its kind in CMC. World Organ Donation Day, August 13th is observed to spread awareness to pledge and donate organs. According to the World Health Organization, only about 0.01% people in India donate their organs after death. Anyone over the age of 18 can volunteer to be an organ donor (unless you are suffering from chronic or lifestyle diseases.) You can make a difference by pledging your organs and impact lives even after your death. Share this message with your friends and family today.
