Villagers come together to raise funds to take care of the patient’s medical expenses

As Rakhi festivities were celebrated all over the country, a 21-year-old sister went above and beyond for her 17-year-old brother who was battling autoimmune liver cirrhosis. By offering her own portion of the liver, she bestowed upon him an extraordinary gift that was skilfully transplanted by the team of doctors led by Dr Vikram Raut, Director of Liver Transplantation and HPB Surgery, Medicover Hospitals, Navi Mumbai.

Mr Santosh Patil works as a security guard in a private company while his mother is employed as a domestic help. They moved to Pune with the goal of providing for their family and giving their children the best education possible. The couple has two kids – Nandini, their eldest daughter who is currently attending college, and Rahul, their younger son who is in 10th grade. Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse when Rahul started experiencing weakness and vomiting blood out of nowhere, leaving the Patils in shock. They sought help from local doctors but were unable to find the relief they desperately needed. Eventually, they turned to Medicover Hospitals in Navi Mumbai where they discovered that Rahul had autoimmune liver cirrhosis and required a liver transplant. This news shook them to their very core.

Dr Vikram Raut, Director of Liver Transplantation and HPB Surgery, Medicover Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, said, “Autoimmune liver diseases rarely affect children and can be seen as early as 2 years. In autoimmune liver disease, the patient’s immune system starts acting against his own liver cells. If diagnosed early, it can be treated with medicines but in Rahul’s case was diagnosed late and had complications like repeated bleeding, ascites (abnormal build-up of fluid in the abdomen), and jaundice. So, he was advised to have a liver transplant. His mother was found to have HbsAg positive and rejected as a donor. His 21-year-old sister Nandini Patil came forward and was found eligible after complete evaluation.”

Dr Raut added, “The patient’s sister fearlessly donated her liver to save her sick brother’s life. We checked liver size and quality of liver which perfectly matched Rahul’s. Failing to treat him in a timely manner could have resulted in a loss of life.  The major constraint for transplant was a financial challenge, but Medicover Hospital and other charitable organizations supported his transplant. On 26 June 2023, she selflessly donated a significant portion of her liver to save her brother’s life, serving as an inspiring example. The story of these siblings will undoubtedly bring joy and celebration during Rakshabandhan. Both donors and recipients are doing well. Organ donation is a powerful act that has the potential to transform lives in ways unimaginable. We strongly encourage everyone to become organ donors and help save the lives of their loved ones and those in need. A healthy individual can safely donate their liver without any negative consequences. Be a saver, be a donor!”

“My brother means the world to me. I am overjoyed that I gave him a valuable gift on Raksha Bandhan. We had all been extremely concerned about his condition for months. I am grateful to the doctors for giving a second lease of life to my brother who can fulfill his dreams now,” said the patient’s sister Nandini Patil.

“My sister surprised me by giving me a Rakhi gift and promising to protect me when it was actually my responsibility to do so. My sister is my backbone and I am grateful for her support during difficult times. I promise to always be there for her. She has given me a valuable gift and her kindness has greatly improved my life. I cannot express enough gratitude toward her. She is my savior,” said the patient Rahul Patil.