New Delhi: Sixteen-month-old Abhilasha became the country's youngest donor to have donated both her eyes and kidneys after she died, giving someone out there a new lease of life.
Abhilasha means heart's desire. Born 15 years after their marriage, she was Rajendra and Vineeta Rahurikar's dream come true. But it turned out to be a difficult journey for the little girl right from birth.
Born without a bile duct, her liver was severely damaged. Her brain too had fluid accumulation for which she had to undergo surgery. But she never recovered.
At 16 and a half months, Abhilasha was declared brain dead.
Though torn by their loss, the Rahurikars took a courageous decision - to donate Abhilasha's organs. Her eyes and kidneys were donated to four patients, making her the youngest organ donor in the country
"She has given me the courage to take such a decision. She gave both of us the strength. She gave us the courage," sighed Vineeta Rajurikar, Abhilasha's Mother.
Brain dead or cadaver donations are rare in India because of poor awareness. Relatives are still unwilling to donate organs of brain dead patients because they believe death only occurs when patients stop breathing
"Brain is the master. Once it dies, the person is dead," explained Dr V P SIngh, Neurosurgeon, Apollo Hospital.
Cadaver transplants have also not taken off because there are no organ banks. But doctors say if people pledge their organs before they die, it will go a long way to reduce long waiting lists of transplant cases.
Just 1000 transplants have been done from brain dead patients ever since the act was passed in 1994. Abhilasha is unique. Her case shows how awareness can help transform lives.