For 40-year-old Jitendra Singh Gangwar, this Raksha Bandhan carries a deeply personal meaning. After living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and undergoing dialysis three times a week for 2.5 years, he has received a kidney transplant from his elder sister, 45-year-old Beena Kumari Gangwar.
According to a report by India Today, Beena donated her right kidney to her younger brother in an ABO-compatible kidney transplant at ShardaCare-HealthCity in Greater Noida. The procedure was performed by Dr Anil Sharma, Director, Kidney Transplant & Urology. Both the donor and recipient have recovered well.
Jitendra said years of dialysis had taken a toll on his life, while his sister remained a constant source of support and also cared for his children during his treatment.
“My sister has been a pillar of strength for me throughout my life. Today, she is gifting me a new life with her donated kidney. I am beyond words knowing that she saved my life,” India Today has quoted.
The siblings already shared a close bond, but Jitendra said the transplant has strengthened their relationship further.
“We were already very close, but this brought us closer. My sister took care of my kids when I was out on dialysis. Now she has given me a new life. I have to do everything for my sister,” as quoted by India Today.
Following the transplant, Jitendra has been advised to take precautions against infections and follow his medication routine carefully.
“I have to take care of sanitisation, wear a mask and stay away from infections. I am taking medicines, but my sister is not taking any medicines. I will be taking medicines for my entire life. If I do not take care of sanitisation, the transplant can also fail,” India Today has quoted.
He added: “I am proud of my sister. She gave me a new life. I want to do something on her behalf.”
For Beena, the decision to donate her kidney came naturally after seeing her brother struggle with dialysis.
“When I saw my brother suffering through dialysis, donating my kidney was not a sacrifice but a natural expression of my love and responsibility as his sister,” says Beena Kumari Gangwar, kidney donor, as quoted by India Today.
Beena said her family supported her decision and that seeing her brother recover was enough to make her happy.
“I felt like crying. My brother got a new life, and that is enough for me. I am happy that my brother has a new life now,” India Today has quoted.
She also recalled the financial challenges faced by the family during Jitendra’s treatment.
“We had money issues, but help arrived at the right time. The doctors were very nice and supportive,” as quoted by India Today.
Doctors said Jitendra underwent medical optimisation before being cleared for the transplant after years of dialysis.
Dr Anil Sharma said the timing of the procedure ahead of Raksha Bandhan made the case particularly meaningful.
“Medicine gave us the means, but it was her courage and devotion that gave him life,” as quoted by India Today.
Dr Kunal Raj Gandhi, Director, Nephrology, said transplantation can offer suitable patients an opportunity to move beyond long-term dialysis and improve their quality of life. Dr Ahmed Kamaal, Director, Urology & KTP, said both the donor and recipient had recovered well.
For Jitendra, the transplant represents more than a medical procedure. It has given him another opportunity to be with his children, and a chance to repay the sister who helped give him a new life, India Today has reported.