Decade of Renewed Life: Heart Transplant Survivor

Shruthy Sasi, aged 34 and hailing from Piravom in Kerala, celebrated the remarkable ten-year milestone of her second life after a complex heart transplantation surgery. Commemorating this event a day ahead, she rejoiced at Lisie Hospital in Kochi, where she had received her life-changing transplant a decade ago on World Organ Donation Day.

In a heartwarming gesture, Ms. Sasi cut a cake alongside the heart donor’s family and the medical team who contributed to her renewed lease on life. Her emotion-filled hug with Elsamma, the heart donor’s sister, allowed her to feel the heartbeat of her brother once more.

Lalichan, the youngest of seven siblings, had tragically succumbed to brain death after a fateful accident in 2013. His family promptly fulfilled his wish to donate his heart, which found a new home in Ms. Sasi.

Ms. Sasi’s journey was fraught with challenges, including a cardiac arrest and rare disease. However, her successful heart transplant defied doubters, and she has now become Kerala’s only person to celebrate ten years of post heart transplant normalcy.

Dr. Jose Chacko Periappuram, the surgeon who led the life-saving procedure, emphasized that Shruthy’s decade-long success story sends a powerful message about the positive impact of organ donation. Shruthy’s life showcases the altruism and transformation that organ donation fosters.

The event garnered attention from actor Anna Ben and hospital director Paul Karedan, highlighting the collective efforts that led to Shruthy’s journey of resilience and celebration.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The Hindu