With the development of science, hopefully, there’s nothing that will remain impossible one day. A Bengaluru based woman, Reena Raju, 38, has entered the Limca Book of Records to be the first Indian to have undergone a second heart surgery successfully. She is also first Indian woman to participate in the World Transplant Games that took place in Malaga – Spain in June-July 2017, as recognised by the book.
She participated in a number of adventure activities including the World Transplant Games — an athletic meet for those with successful transplants.
A Third Chance To Live
It was around 2006 when Reena Raju suffered various illnesses. A number of tests led to the conclusion that her birth heart works at only 15 percent of its capacity. Thereafter, she went through heart transplant in 2009 at Frontier Lifeline Hospital — Dr KM Cherian Heart Foundation. Post this, she participated in a number of adventure activities including the World Transplant Games — an athletic meet for those with successful transplants.
Unfortunately, in September 2017, while she was on a routine checkup, she collapsed in the hospital. She was immediately rushed to the hospital where she had a cardiac arrest in the emergency room and doesn’t remember much of that time. Then on September 23, she got a second, new heart. A miracle, isn’t it?
Chennai has become a home to heart transplants. With around 200 done in the entire country, majority are done here in Chennai. Survival rates are 80% for the first year after the transplant and around 70% for the next five years.
Post her first heart transplant, she started a charitable trust known as Light A Life. This was founded in 2011 and since then, is actively promoting and encouraging people for organ donation.
Light A Life Foundation
Reena Raju is the first woman recipient of heart in the state of Karnataka. Post her first heart transplant, she started a charitable trust known as Light A Life. This was founded in 2011 and since then, is actively promoting and encouraging people for organ donation. She, in the truest of sense, is an inspiration for many. This charitable trust is working towards making heart transplant affordable for those who cannot afford it. Not only this, it also aims to provide assistance in the post transplant expenditures since they are way too expensive. The foundation conducts various charitable events and the funds are raised through it.
Her participation in adventure activities and other events is not something confined to self interest. She does so to inspire heart patients that there’s hope always and they really can lead a normal life after an operation.
Living The Normal Way
Despite being a heart patient, she never stopped living her life to the fullest. “Reena is a quick learner and an enthusiast. We trained her for three weeks,” said Deepak Raj S, her badminton coach from D's Talents academy to Indiatimes.com. She has immense interest in sports as she is a hockey player. "I have enjoyed travelling, trekking, parasailing, cycling, 15ft underwater sea walk and 13000 ft tandem sky dive. I believe in living a full life post heart transplant.” she told TOI.
Image Credit: My Nation
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