Arnav Gupta

On June 7, 2021, MOHAN Foundation’s “Anudaan- Making Transplants Affordable” team received an email from Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru requesting financial aid for Kaminiben Parmar’s Liver Transplant. 

Anudaan team also received an email from Mrs. Sherryna Contractor from Ahmedabad, Gujarat requesting help for Kaminiben as she is the daughter of one of her employees, associated with her for a long time. The generous family of Mrs. Sherryna had been supporting Kaminiben’s family in the time of need. 

Kaminiben’s father, Mr. Shankarbhai Parmar informed Mrs. Sherryna about the failing health condition of her daughter and how there was no improvement in her health despite treatment from many hospitals. He told her, “What life is this for our girl?’ She vomits blood and is extremely weak. She is losing her best years to a failing liver and we are unable to save her life due to our financial status. The pain and fear filler in her eyes are a constant reminder of how we are failing as parents.” Disheartened and confused Kaminiben’s family was losing all hope. 

Mrs. Sherryna’s family decided to help Mr. Shankarbhai’s family and started contacting other big hospitals for Kaminiben’s better treatment. After visiting many hospitals, she was taken to Zydus Hospital, Ahmedabad, where her treatment and liver biopsy was done. That’s when, the family received the shocking news that Kaminiben would die if she did not get a liver transplant at the earliest.

Kaminiben Parmar, age 23 belongs to Dohad, Gujarat. Her father works as a driver in Mrs. Sherryna Contractor’s house. He earns Rs. 15,000 per month which is the only source of income for the family. 

Kaminiben’s heart-rending story started when she was studying in 7th standard. One day, after waking up in the morning, she suddenly started vomiting blood and had a gnawing pain in in her stomach. She was then immediately taken to Gastro Care Hospital in Vadodara, where her CT scan and liver biopsy was done.  The family was informed that Kaminiben was suffering from a perilous liver disease, which is a rare genetic disorder characterized by excess copper stored in the liver. The family was in shock to hear this information. She was then referred to Zydus Hospital, Ahmedabad for further treatment and tests. 

In March, 2021, Mr. Anil Srivatsa, Managing Trustee of Gift of Life Adventure Foundation met and spoke to Kaminiben’s family making them aware about living donation and advised them to contact Dr. Sonal Asthana from Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru. This positive discussion gave hope to the entire family and many of them stepped up to donate a portion of their liver to save their beloved Kaminiben’s life.  After consulting Dr. Sonal Asthana and conducting few diagnostic tests, it was confirmed that the mother was a suitable match. 

Though Mrs. Sherryna’s family supported the family with travel expenses from Gujarat to Bengaluru, pre transplant hospital charges and medical expenses but to support Kaminiben’s liver transplant, which cost Rs. 15 Lakh, was beyond their limits. That’s when Aster CMI Hospital and Mrs. Sherryna approached MOHAN Foundation for financial aid.

Anudaan Team looked closely at the request and after receiving the required information and the obligatory documents, decided to support Kaminiben with her liver transplant. MOHAN Foundation motivated the hospital to give some discount in transplant cost as the family’s economic condition is poor. MOHAN Foundation contributed 2 lakhs and with support from other NGOs, Kaminiben successfully underwent a kidney transplant on June 22, 2021. Both surgeries of mother and daughter were successful. Each new day has found her stronger and healthier. Kaminiben has developed a good appetite and is eating well. Her mother is also recuperating. 

MOHAN Foundation wishes for their speedy recovery so that they can embrace the new life awaiting them, especially young Kaminiben. After receiving the gift of life, she has decided to continue her bachelor’s degree in Arts as she aspires to be a lawyer in future. She is now committed to fulfill her dreams.

“I would like to thank MOHAN Foundation from the core of my heart for giving me a second chance to live and to fulfill my dreams.”– Kaminiben Parmar

 “A young girl, who had to let go of all her dreams, her education, aspirations of a career, of marriage, of a future family just because she suffers from a rare liver condition. We were aware that Kaminiben was fighting a rare liver condition. We have been supporting her medical treatment. Unfortunately, her health condition worsened and she required a lifesaving liver transplant. The cost of the transplant was something beyond most families reach and Mr. Shankarbhai could not have afforded the transplant. We approached MOHAN Foundation’s Anudaan team for help and we are so grateful for their financial aid. Thank you so much for helping Kaminiben dream again”– Mrs. Sherryna Contractor