After kidney failure at 20, Kannan Subramanian received a life-saving transplant from his mother. Nearly 30 years later, when his kidney failed again, his wife became his second donor. Now living with his third chance at life, Kannan reflects on the power of love, resilience, and medical care. His journey is a testament to the strength of family and the hope that endures through every challenge.
As I sit down to write this story, I’m filled with emotions – gratitude, love, and awe. My life has been a testament to the power of selfless love, medical excellence, doctors’ dedication and God’s blessings. I am humbled to share it with you.
A Mother’s Gift
I was born in 1974, and my mother gave me the gift of life. But little did I know that she would give me life again 20 years later. In 1993, my kidney failed when I was in my final semester of the third-year computer degree in Trichy. No doctors in our area were able to detect the kidney disease early. I was misdiagnosed and treated incorrectly for several months. Eventually, my blood pressure rose to 240/160 and my creatinine levels reached 14. We rushed to Chennai to see Dr. Rajan Ravichandran, a renowned Nephrologist at Vijaya Health Centre, who told me that my kidneys had failed and I would need a transplant. Without hesitation, my mother donated one of her kidneys to me, giving me a second chance at life in April 1994.
A New Chapter
Fast-forward to 2004, I got married and was blessed with two beautiful girls (in 2006 and 2008). Life was good, and I was grateful for the second chance I had received. I never took my health for granted and made sure to follow Dr. Rajan Ravichandran’s advice and take care of my transplanted kidney. I work for Sapiens Health Foundation as Coordinator and my wife is doing her job as a dialysis technologist at MIOT Hospital.
Another Miracle
But fate had another surprise in store for me.
| In 2023, my transplanted kidney failed again due to natural ageing of my mother’s donated kidney, and I was in need of another transplant. | This time, it was my wife who stepped forward and donated one of her kidneys, giving me the gift of life for the third time! |
Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the medical team, ledy by Dr. Rajan Ravichandran, Director of the MIOT Institute of Nephrology, and with God’s blessings, the transplant was again a success in May 2024.
A Heart Full of Gratitude
As I look back on my life, I am filled with gratitude for:
– My mother and wife, who selflessly gave me the gift of life not once, not twice, but thrice.
– Dr. Rajan Ravichandran and his medical team, who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of both transplants.
– God’s blessings, which guided the doctor’s hands and gave me the strength to overcome the challenges.
– Sapiens Health Foundation, friends, relatives and all well-wishers.
A Lesson in Life
My story is a testament to the power of love, medical excellence, and faith. It is a reminder that life is precious and that we should cherish every moment we have with our loved ones. To truly value life, we should find ways to keep our health in good shape by following medical advice. Health is wealth. Get your kidneys checked regularly and take steps to protect them. Secure medical insurance early to avoid financial stress during emergencies.
A Message of Hope
If you are going through a tough time, please remember that there is always hope. Never stop praying and never lose faith. Miracles do happen, and life can surprise you in the most unexpected ways.
A word from my mother and wife: a kidney donor can lead a normal and healthy life. Living kidney donation is a safe and life-saving procedure. As living kidney donors, there is no greater joy than witnessing the recipient’s life journey flourish after the transplant, knowing that our selfless act gave them a new chance at life, filled with hope, happiness, and countless memories to cherish.
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.
