Bereaved family of 20-year-old accident victim gives new life to others

Chandigarh: Family members of a 20-year-old road accident victim from Ambala gave two terminally ill patients a second lease of life by donating his organs at PGI. Karan, a Class XII student from Ram Dass Nagar, Ambala City, was fatally injured in a road accident on April 28 while crossing the street. Despite intensive medical intervention across multiple facilities, including GMCH-32 and finally PGI, Karan died on May 7.Despite the overwhelming loss, his bereaved family agreed to organ donation. "Karan was full of dreams and had his whole life ahead of him. Knowing that a part of him will continue to live on by helping others brings us some solace," said Sunil Kumar, his brother. Karan's liver was transplanted into a 22-year-old man suffering from end-stage liver disease. Prof L Kaman, head of general surgery, said this was the recipient's only definitive treatment option. Karan's pancreas and a kidney were transplanted into a 35-year-old woman battling multi-organ failure.Prof Ashish Sharma, head of renal transplant surgery, said this marks the 72nd successful simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplant in PGI.PGI director Prof Vivek Lal paid a solemn tribute to the donor, saying that his legacy would endure through the lives he touched. "In a moment of immense sorrow, the family displayed exceptional courage. Their decision is the highest form of human service," Lal said.Dr Vijay Tadia, nodal officer for Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (ROTTO North), commended the emotional strength of the family during the consent process. He said such acts are vital in building public awareness for the humanitarian cause of organ donation.While the family had also consented to donating Karan's lungs, they were found medically unsuitable for transplant.