On deathbed, two-year-old foreign national saves 2 lives, provides gift of sight to others

This is the first foreign national case of organ donation at PGI, making Prosper the youngest pancreatic donor in the country.

On October 17, Prosper sustained severe injury from an accidental fall at home and was immediately rushed to the PGIMER Chandigarh in critical condition.

Despite the dedicated efforts of the medical team, he was declared brain-dead on October 26. Amidst their overwhelming grief, the young one’s family chose to donate his organs.

“We find solace in knowing that Prosper’s organs will give life to others in pain. This act of kindness is our way of keeping his spirit alive, and I hope it brings peace to our family and hope to those who are suffering,” his mother said.

Ashish Sharma, Head, Department of Renal Transplant Surgery, PGIMER highlighted how transplants from young donors present unique challenges, not only in terms of surgical technique but also in navigating the emotional landscape surrounding such a significant loss.

“Separating two kidneys at such a young age is very challenging given the small size of the organs. Adding a pancreas transplant for one of the patients makes the surgery even more difficult. But my team was moved by the wishes of the family to use the maximum possible organs for the benefit of maximum people and accepted the challenge,” he said.

The pastor who was with the family comforting them, described this experience as a testament to the family’s compassion, “Prosper’s donation is a testament to our belief that even in death, our child can continue to bring joy to others, providing them with a chance at life,” he said.