Baby Deeksha, Liver Transplant on October 19, 2021

On August 31, 2021, MOHAN Foundation's 'Anudaan-Making Transplants Affordable' team received an email from Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru requesting financial aid for Baby Deeksha's liver transplant, who was suffering from congenital hepatic fibrosis and needed an urgent liver transplant. Congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF) is a rare disease that is present at birth (congenital) and affects the liver.

Deeksha, age 7 years hails from Channagiri, a town in Davanagere district Karnataka. The family is poor. Her father works as a bus driver in a private college. But after the covid-19 pandemic started, their family income took a massive hit. They were surviving on their savings. With the meager income of the family, it was very tough for them to pay a huge cost i.e., Rs. 15 Lakh for Deeksha's liver transplant.

'I stood strong to be both his mother and father. I was somehow managing our expenses and trying my best to put food on the table by working hard as a daily wager. But, the challenges in my journey kept becoming bigger.' Shared the mother, with immense sadness in her heart.

In August 2021, Goutham fell severely sick. He was shaking uncontrollably and his teeth were chattering. At first Madhulatha thought that her son was feeling cold. But, her gut told her that something was not quite right. She rushed her son to the hospital, took multiple opinions but the Gouthma's health condition did not improve. Goutham was then referred to Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore. His health continued to deteriorate on their way to the hospital. The 3-hour-long ride in the ambulance felt like the mother's worst nightmare as she saw her son slip into unconsciousness. Upon reaching the hospital, the doctors told her, that Goutham was having a seizure and needed to be operated immediately and put on ventilator support.

'Nothing is more valuable than the life of my daughter. My husband and I gave away everything. Everything! We have been in the hospital for many weeks now. And there's hardly any money to afford medicines, let alone an expensive liver transplant. What do I do now? Can a parent let their child die because they don't have money? I'll beg if I have to, I just want my daughter to live!' said the devastated mother.

It all started some months ago, when Deeksha was crying a lot and there was blood coming from her mouth. The parents felt like they were trapped in the worst nightmare. They immediately rushed her to Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, where the doctors immediately performed several tests. 'My husband and I ran from one corner to another as we only had nearly Rs.600 at the time. So, we immediately made phone calls asking for help.' mother said.

After proper health examination and tests, it was found that Deeksha was suffering from chronic liver disease. The parents were shocked to hear the earth-shattering news. 'Deeksha needs an urgent liver transplant. Her liver failure won't let her live long. It will affect other organs and even her brain at some point. To prevent that, we must make no delay in the liver transplant,' the doctor explained to the parents.

A couple of tests later, the mother found out that she was a perfect match for her child and that she will be able to save her by donating a portion of her liver. But that sigh of relief didn't last long. The estimated cost of the liver transplant was Rs.15 lakh.

After the parents discussed about their poor economic situation, the doctors at Aster CMI Hospital informed them about MOHAN Foundation's Anudaan. This information gave them a new hope. With support from Anudaan, few other NGOs and the hospital's concession on transplant cost, Baby Deeksha successfully underwent a liver transplant on October 19, 2021. MOHAN Foundation sanctioned Rs. 2.5 Lakh for her liver transplant.

Both mother and daughter are recovering well. 'Police officer, mumma. I will be joining the police,' Deeksha would say. Her ambition is about serving the society.

'Lots of gratitude to MOHAN Foundation's Anudaan team for saving our daughter's life with their financial support. We are impressed by their good and lifesaving work.' - Mr. Prasanna Kumar P, Father.