Two brothers took what they call the toughest decision of their lives two weeks ago when they consented to donate the organs of their mother, Vandana Thakar.
But a fortnight after seeing an 11-year-old boy suffering from kidney failure and two visually impaired persons benefit, Puneet, 28, and Tarang, 24, have not only pledged their own organs, but they have also initiated a noble cause — that of convincing several friends and relatives to follow their example.
Mumbai has seen 32 such deceased organ transplants till September this year — double the number recorded last year. “The reason is the high level of awareness in Mumbai,” said Vatsala Trivedi of the Zonal Transplant Co-ordinating Committee (ZTCC), Mumbai.
A Vile Parle resident and a teacher at Saraswati Vidyalaya, Bhayander, Vandana was travelling on a bike with her husband on September 19 when they met with an accident. “While my father got minor injuries, my mother suffered a brain injury,” said Tarang, who works as a graphic designer.
The 53-year-old woman was rushed to the BSES Brahmakumari Hospital, Andheri, where she battled for life for three days. “She was declared brain dead on September 21,” said Puneet, a Los Angeles-based computer engineer. He took it upon himself to convince his family to donate his mother’s organs.
“He explained the concept of organ donation,” said Tarang. “Letting go of a loved one is a difficult decision. But we also had to reform our 84-year-old grandmother’s orthodox beliefs as well as the views of our relatives who were against it.”
Vandana’s eyes were donated to an eye bank and her kidneys were harvested and transplanted almost immediately. “Though she had not pledged her organs, she was a very giving person and would have liked it,” said Tarang. “That is why we took the decision.”
