Diagnosed with chronic kidney disease at just three years old, Sneha Raju underwent her first kidney transplant at seven, donated by her grandmother, and a second in college, gifted by her uncle. Refusing to let her condition define her, she found strength in trekking, scaling trails from Everest Base Camp to the frozen Zanskar River, becoming the only two-time kidney transplant recipient to complete the Chadar Trek. Now, Sneha is preparing for her greatest challenge yet: an expedition to Antarctica, aiming to become the first two-time kidney transplant recipient to trek and camp there.
Most children at the age of three are busy building castles in sand pits or running around carefree with their parents. However, for me, life was very different. At just three years of age, I was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and therefore, much of my childhood was spent in hospitals. Dialysis and treatments became part of my childhood vocabulary long before I could fully understand what was happening.
At the age of seven, I underwent my first kidney transplant. My grandmother was my donor. Her incredible gift of love gave me the chance to live, something that had once seemed impossible. But fate tested my forbearance again when, as a teenager, I had cerebral malaria, which damaged my transplanted kidney. In 2013, during my final year of college, I had to undergo my second transplant. This time, it was my uncle who stepped forward and donated his kidney. To this day, both my donors are not only family but also the reason why I am alive. Their sacrifices gave me not just life, but also purpose.
The second transplant filled me with a new-found vigour as I realized that mere survival was no longer enough. I wanted to live fully, to chase dreams I had once considered impossible, and to show others like me that a medical condition does not have to be the end of the road. That’s when the mountains called.
My first trek was in Manali, and I vividly remember the awe I felt. To my surprise, the mountains did not just challenge me, they accepted me. Each step on the trail was a silent affirmation that I was capable of more than I had ever imagined. That experience was just the beginning of a journey I never looked back from.
Since then, trekking has become both my passion and a declaration of my resilience. I have stood at Everest Base Camp, trekked the pristine Kashmir Great Lakes, hiked trails across Himachal Pradesh and Bhutan, and even completed one of the toughest challenges: the infamous Chadar Trek, walking on the frozen Zanskar River. The Chadar Trek was not just another expedition; it earned me recognition in the Asia Book of Records and the India Book of Records as the only two-time kidney transplant recipient to complete it.
Every trek has deepened my connection with the mountains and strengthened my resolve. They have taught me patience, humility, and perseverance. More importantly, they have shown me that my story could be bigger than my own journey. It could inspire others like me to dream beyond the apparent limitations of their health conditions.
Now, I stand on the cusp of what I consider my greatest adventure yet: an expedition to Antarctica. It is not just a destination; it is the ultimate frontier, a symbol of endurance and discovery. The journey will be gruelling, the conditions extreme, and the preparation demanding, but that is exactly why it matters.
For the past four years, I have been planning and preparing for this journey.
| My aim is not just to set foot on the southernmost continent but to trek and camp there, making me the first two-time kidney transplant recipient in the world to do so. | Achieving this milestone would also earn me a place in the Guinness World Records, a recognition that would symbolize not just my personal triumph, but the limitless potential of every transplant recipient who dares to dream big. |
As I look back, from being a three-year-old in a hospital bed to now preparing for Antarctica, I see a story of resilience, love, and relentless pursuit of dreams. I want to honour the gifts of my donors by living fully, daring boldly, and inspiring others along the way.
An expedition of this scale is extremely demanding – physically, mentally, and financially. But it can be made possible with the support of sponsors and right partners. My dream of making history on the frozen frontiers of Antarctica is more than a personal goal; it is a statement to inspire others that no obstacle is insurmountable, and no dream is too distant.
Let’s come together to lead, inspire, and achieve the extraordinary.
(The expedition organisers have offered a special discounted fare of $7000, compared to the regular $19000 for their December voyage.)
Disclaimer: The blog series is intended for informational purposes only and is not meant to endorse or promote any specific drug, product, or brand. Each individual’s experience is unique and should not be construed as medical advice or a guarantee of similar results for others. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding your health and well-being.
