For the past 12 years, there has not been a single day in Alex’s life when he has not thought of the unknown girl who donated the kidney and liver which saved his life when he was in Class 10.
Kochi: She was the one who led him back to a life he believed was lost forever. For the past 12 years, there has not been a single day in Alex’s life when he has not thought of her, though he does not know her name or even how she looks. Now, as a new chapter begins in his life this New Year, when someone holds his hand and walks into his future, Alex’s words are once again filled with memories of her.
“The life I have today is a gift from an unknown girl. At the moment when I was slipping towards death, it was the liver and kidney she donated that kept me alive. As you step into my life this New Year, bringing a new beginning, let us remember her together, …” Alex said, looking at his wife Jyothi.
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Kerala’s first dual organ transplant
Twelve years ago, Alex, a native of Vilappilsala in Thiruvananthapuram, created history by undergoing Kerala’s first-ever dual organ transplant. As he stepped into a new phase of life this New Year, the moment was witnessed by Dr Venugopal B, Head of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Liver Transplantation at Lisie Hospital, Ernakulam.
“That wedding was one of the happiest and most emotional experiences of my life,” said the doctor. “When I transplanted Alex’s liver and kidney 12 years ago, he was still studying in Class 10. Since performing a simultaneous liver and kidney transplant had never been done in Kerala before, it was an extremely risky procedure. But at a time when his life was in crisis, he fought back with confidence. I have been closely following his progress ever since the surgery.”
Alex, who was born with a liver ailment and later developed kidney disease, received the donated organs from a young girl hailing from Neyyattinkara. However, he does not know her name or any other details. He had wished to see her photograph, but that too was not possible. Even so, the nameless girl has remained an enduring emotional presence in his life since that day.
The dual organ transplant was performed when Dr Venugopal was working at KIMS Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. Their bond continued even after the doctor moved to Lisie Hospital in Ernakulam. That is why Alex felt the doctor should be among the first to be invited to his wedding.
“I feel immense happiness that I have been able to live for so many years after undergoing a simultaneous liver and kidney transplant. As someone now comes into my life to share this journey with me, this New Year is filled with hope,” said Alex as his wife Jyothi stood beside him, holding his hand and smiling.
Published: 02 Jan 2026, 11:23 am IST
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