He gave his body to science,but his family struggles

Vilas Raghunath Bhujad,28,became KEM Hospitals second cadaver donor this year following his sudden death late last month.

Vilas Raghunath Bhujad,28,became KEM Hospitals second cadaver donor this year following his sudden death late last month. But while his death gave three patients a fresh shot at life through the donation of his kidneys and liver,Bhujad left behind a wife and three children in dire straits.

The labourer from Vasai,worked on contract basis earning about Rs 3000-5000 a month,till a motorcycle accident led to his sudden demise. He was a pillion rider,when a Maruti car hit the bike. The driver survived with minor injuries,but he breathed his last,a week after he was admitted at KEM,says his grieving wife Ranjana. His children aged six,five and three,do not quite understand where their father is.

I am not educated. I do not know how to bring up three children,two of them girls, says Ranjana,still in shock. I do not know what to tell my kids. They are too small to understand, she says. For the time being,the family is staying with Vilass brother Anil. I will try to support the family for as long as I can. I am proud that my brothers organs will help save some other lives,said Anil.

The family is poor,but extremely altruistic. When he was declared brain dead on October 27,his brother and wife immediately agreed to donate his kidneys and and liver,when we suggested the procedure, recalls HOD of the Urology department and Secretary of the Zonal Transplant Coordination Committee (ZTCC) in Mumbai,Dr Sujata Patwardhan.

When the family visits the hospital this Tuesday,they will be greeted with two surprises. Our department has put together a fund,which we will give them as a Diwali gift. I have called them to KEM,specially for this,said Dr Patwardhan. SNDT Womens University has also offered to provide a free nursing training course for Vilass wife.

We will suggest the option to her,but traveling from Vasai may be a problem since the University will not allow her kids to stay with her in the hostel, Dr Patwardhan,said adding her department was holding talks with the University to find out a suitable alternative for their accommodation. We have also approached local NGOs to help this family. I am hoping we can put together a fund in the childrens name and provide a suitable employment opportunity for Vilass wife, he said.

(If any organisation /individual wishes to financially assist Vilass family,Dr Patwardhan can be contacted on 9819075202.)

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He gave his body to science,but his family struggles

Vilas Raghunath Bhujad,28,became KEM Hospitals second cadaver donor this year following his sudden death late last month.

Vilas Raghunath Bhujad,28,became KEM Hospitals second cadaver donor this year following his sudden death late last month.