Organ donation: Giving new lease of life, like God

Chennai: Angry and upset when her son Ryan died in a road accident, Laurane was against the idea of donating the organs. She did not want to part with her son. However, following her daughter’s advice, the woman gave in and is today overjoyed that her son lives on in so many people.

“The opportunity to share my son’s organs was a gift from God. After Ryan’s accident, we brought him to Apollo where the doctors provided him the best possible treatment. However, God had His own plans,” said she.

“When we were asked if we would donate his organs, I said no. I was not going to do it. However, my daughter said that if we buried the body, only the mud would eat it; but if we donated his organs, he would live in others. What she said, till this day has a very big impact on me. I thought I was selfish. Why not let my son live a second time,” stated the woman.

Shanthalakshmi’s husband had died in a road accident on March 28, 2015. “I loved my husband very much and I wanted him to live on. It was difficult but I went ahead with it. It was also my father-in-law’s wish for us to donate his organs. Today, it brings me great joy to know that my husband continues to live on in so many others,” said the 29-year-old woman as she holds onto her son of one-and-a-half years.   

Many may know the importance of donating organs, but, not many pledge to  do nate  their organs until they experience a situation first hand. Therefore, doctors urged the public, during  Organ Donation week, to pledge their organs to help save lives.

R. Devanayali (41) was suffering with heart and lung problems, which was diagnosed in 2004. “I was blessed to have received the organs barely 20 days after my name was put on the waiting list in 2014. We must never stop our efforts to create awareness,” she said.  

At an event to remember and acknowledge the efforts made by donor families who encourage gifting a life, organized by the Apollo Hospitals, chairman of the hospitals Dr Prathap C. Reddy said, “It is heartwarming to see families volunteering to donate organs thereby gifting a life to another individual. By donating an organ, a second lease of life is given to the person, which equals to a rebirth. I urge more people to come forward in taking part in this generous move.”