Two More Donor Families turn their ‘Gravest Tragedies’ into ‘Blessing’ for Eight Patients at PGIMER
Chandigarh: August 26 : “You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give.” This has been once again proven right by the latest two cadaver organ donations as the two brave heart donor families showcased exemplary magnanimity amid the terrible tragedy of losing their loved ones and kindled hope in critical eight patients with the transplantation of four kidneys and four corneas here at PGIMER Chandigarh.
“We are overwhelmed by their “spirit of giving” of the donor families and hope their generous gesture inspires others and makes them realize that death is not the end of things, people can live on through others, through this noble cause of Organ Donation, ”stated Prof. Jagat Ram, Director PGIMER while paying homage to the departed souls of the both the donors.
Ashwani Kumar (54) resident of Kaithal, Haryana met with a fatal road accident at Kaithal on 14th August and was immediately taken to civil hospital there. As his condition worsened, Ashwani Kumar was rushed to PGIMER on the same day.
Despite the best of the efforts by the attending medical team, Ashwani Kumar could not be revived from his irretrievable condition and was declared brain dead by the brain death certification committee on 17th August.
When the attending doctors broke the news to the family that their dear one did not pull through, the family knew they didn’t want Ashwani Kumar’s death to be in vain. Being fairly clued about the concept and having already pledged for organ donation, the grief stricken but resolute family consented for organ donation.
Anita, the aggrieved wife of deceased Ashwani Kumar showcased unparalleled courage amid her own tragedy as she said, “It’s something no family should have to go through. We said ‘yes’ to Organ Donation because it is far better to give someone a new life than reducing these organs to ashes. That’s why despite the heartache that we are going through, we knew it was the right thing to do.”
Reflecting on the case, Prof. H.S. Kohli, Head, Deptt. of Nephrology, PGIMER stated, ”Following the family’s decision, the two best matching recipients who were suffering from “end-stage debilitating kidney ailment” and dependent on renal dialysis for long, were identified and retrieved kidneys were transplanted to them giving them second chance at life. Looking at the kidney waiting list which is getting lengthier with passing time, ‘Yes’ by any donor family like that of Ashwani Kumar creates a perceptible difference between life and death for end stage kidney failure patients.”
Apart from the kidneys, the corneas of the donors were also harvested, which on transplantation, restored the eyesight of two other patients here at PGIMER.
Earlier on August 9th, a young and promising life was mercilessly cut short by a speeding vehicle, causing fatal head injuries. After the mishap, the youth aged 28 years from Punjab was immediately rushed to a local hospital and then on being referred to PGIMER, was shifted here in on 10th August.
As the ill luck would have it, all the efforts to save the young man proved futile and after three days’ of struggle between life and death; he was declared brain-dead on 13th August after following the protocols of THOA.
Then, the transplant coordinators at PGIMER counseled the family about organ donation for which the family consented, braving their own grave tragedy. With the family’s generous decision, four lives were impacted with the transplantation of two kidneys and two corneas here at PGIMER.
The grieving mother, who wanted to keep the identity anonymous due to her personal sentiments, said, “We would just want people to know about the cause, We have done it so that our son re- lives through others. We have done it for our own peace and solace.”
Endorsing the need for public awareness for the cause to save precious lives, Prof. Vipin Koushal, Nodal Officer, ROTTO (North) PGIMER said “The ‘gift of life’ that has been given by these two donor families conveys much about our capacity for great compassion and generosity. This cause needs to be taken seriously as anyone can suffer from organ failure. It’s especially important to consider becoming an organ donor in a country where the rate of organ donation is almost negligible.”
