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dna exclusive: Why did I have to go to Chennai to get a new life?

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Minocherhomji
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She is a Mumbai girl with a heart from Chennai, quite literally. Two months after Hvovi Minocherhomji, who suffered from end-stage heart failure, headed for Tamil Nadu for treatment, the 21-year-old Bandra resident is eagerly waiting to return home hale and hearty.

With little chances of survival, Hvovi got a lifeline from down south when all her parameters matched with a brain-dead person. In a first-of-its-kind procedure in the country, Hvovi, underwent a heart transplant surgery in a Chennai hospital on June 16. She will arrive in city next week.

"Hvovi wouldn't have been able to survive for more than six months had the transplant not been done. She is now absolutely fine and even climbed a four-storey building without any problem. Her heart's pumping efficiency has gone up from 10-15% to 65%," said Dr KR Balakrishnan, director of cardiac sciences, Fortis Malar Hospital, where the transplant procedure was carried out. He added, "Hvovi can lead a normal life, nothing is restricted."

Hvovi's mother Arnaity Minocherhomji said she had no words for the mother who had the courage to donate the heart of her son. She too is keen to see her daughter back in Mumbai.

Speaking exclusively to dna from Chennai, Hvovi said she wants to raise awareness about organ donation. She rues the fact that there has not been a single heart transplant surgery done in Maharashtra so far and wants the state to emulate Chennai's model of transplant procedures.

How do you feel after the procedure?
I got a second life, thanks to this transplant. It will be extremely difficult to express it in words, it is too overwhelming. I just want to thank God, the donor, the doctors and my family who stood rock-solid behind me. The doctors took special care of me. Apart from the surgery, they also gave me tremendous psychological support.

What is the first thing that you would like to do when you reach Mumbai?
I want to visit my fire temple.

You have a Chennai heart now, what do you have to say about the city?
Chennai will always be a part of my life. I will never forget the people, they are very helpful and cooperative. The entire city traffic stopped during peak hours to ensure that the heart reached the hospital in time be transplanted in me. Such a miracle can happen only in a city like Chennai.

... And the donor?
I really have no words to express my gratitude to the family which decided to donate the heart of their son. I got the heart tissue of a 27-year-old victim of a road accident, who was declared brain dead. Hats off to the family. I will now roam in Mumbai with a Chennai heart.

What do you think of the Chennai model of organ transplant?
This model really works and has saved several lives. This should be adopted by the Maharashtra government as well. Whenever I get a chance, I shall spread words about this model of organ donation and create awareness among people.

What are your future plans?
I have finished my graduation in commerce. Now, I wish to go for higher studies.

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