Liver donated by accidentvictim’s family saves a life

Lucknow: In a gesture of humanity and compassion, the family of a 28-year-old accident victim from Bahraura village on Sitapur Road made a selfless decision that turned personal grief into a gift of life for a 33-year-old man battling end-stage liver disease.
After Sandeep Kumar, who had suffered a severe head injury in a road accident on Apr 14, was declared brain dead on Apr 21 at KGMU, family agreed to donate his organs and gave a second chance at life to a 33-year-old man battling end-stage liver disease. "Sandeep was riding his motorcycle when it slipped near our village. There was no eyewitness. Police informed us after taking him to hospital," said his brother Deepak Kumar. At KGMU's trauma centre, Sandeep was on ventilator support for several days. He was declared brain dead after mandatory tests, including apnea testing.
The family was approached by transplant coordinators Peeyush Shrivastava and Kshitiz Verma, who explained the option of organ donation and its life-saving potential. After two rounds of counselling, the decision was taken by the family.
"We realised if Sandeep couldn't be saved, at least someone else could be," said his father, Basant Kumar, a farmer. Later, Sandeep's wife also gave her consent.
Sandeep is survived by his wife and two daughters. He ran small-scale catering.
Due to prolonged ventilator support and internal injuries, only Sandeep's liver was suitable for transplant. It was retrieved on Apr 21 and transplanted the same day. "This act of donation reflects rare courage. The family made a decision that many find difficult even in less emotional moments," said KGMU vice-chancellor Prof Soniya Nityanand.
Head of surgical gastroenterology Prof Abhijit Chandra said, "They not only saved a life but also created awareness about cadaveric donation in their community."
"Sandeep's story is a powerful reminder that even in tragedy, humanity can shine the brightest. His family's courage not only gave life to someone in desperate need but also inspired hope and awareness about organ donation," said Prof Chandra. "The family deserves immense respect. Amidst their grief, they thought beyond themselves. Their act shows the power of generosity in saving lives," Peeyush Shrivastava said.