MUMBAI: “My husband was dying. His life was a struggle every single day. She gave her a second chance,” the wife of one of the benefactors of Kavita Karkare’s last act of generosity told TOI on Tuesday.
Slain ATS chief Hemant Karkare’s children donated the liver, kidneys and eyes of their mother, Kavita Karkare, after she was declared brain dead on Monday following a stroke. Hours later, her organs were used to give a new lease of life to three individuals, who have been waiting long for transplants.
“My husband was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. His health condition made it extremely difficult for him to work, but he continued going to office as he had to support us. We were told he had to be extremely lucky to get a liver soon,” said the wife of 49-year-old liver recipient. “We had seen Kavita Karkare only on television after the 26/11 terror attacks. Who would imagine our lives would be connected in this manner? My husband’s colleagues informed us about the donation,” said the Bhayander resident, adding that the family is now trying to raise money to pay for the transplant.
The transplant team at Kokilaben Hospital in Andheri said the surgery had gone off well and the patient may be taken off ventilator by Wednesday. “His liver condition would leave him with recurrent health problems like water retention in chest and abdomen. He suffered major breathing difficulties at times,” said Dr Vinay Kumaran, head of the transplant programme.
One of the kidney recipients had been on dialysis for over seven years and had registered for a cadaver donor way back in January 2007. “He has been coming to us for long. Karkare family’s gesture has saved a young life and an entire family,” said Dr Tarang Gianchandani, CEO, Jaslok Hospital.
The other 48-year-old kidney recipient at PD Hinduja Hospital in Mahim is also recovering well, said the doctors.
Over 3,000 patients are waiting for a kidney and 200 for liver in the Zonal Transplant Coordination Committee’s list.
