A 10-month-old baby, Alin Sherin Abraham, has become Kerala’s youngest organ donor after her parents consented to donate her organs following a declaration of brain death. The donation is expected to help five recipients, with organs allocated to different centres for transplants. The organs were moved under police escort to hospitals in and around Thiruvananthapuram.
Alin’s parents, Arun Abraham and Sherin Ann John, agreed to donate her organs after doctors confirmed brain death. Kerala Minister Veena George thanked the parents for the decision and extended support to the bereaved family.
What happened to Alin and led to the organ donation?
Alin suffered severe injuries in a road accident on February 5 at Pallam Borma junction in Pathanamthitta district when a car coming from the opposite direction collided with their vehicle. As per a report by ANI, her mother and grandparents were also grievously injured in that accident. The child underwent treatment at hospitals in Changanassery and Tiruvalla before she was shifted to Amrita Hospital in Kochi for specialised care. Despite intensive treatment, she could not be saved, and brain death was confirmed on February 13.
Which organs were donated, and where were they sent?
Alin’s liver, two kidneys, corneas, and heart valve were donated. The liver was received by a six-month-old baby who is undergoing treatment, making the child the youngest in the state to undergo a posthumous liver transplant. The kidneys were given to another child, whereas the corneas and heart valve were also given to patients in need, ANI reported. The heart valve went to the Shree Chitra Institute, a kidney was sent to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, the liver to KIMS Hospital and the eyes/corneas to an Eye bank with coordination by K-SOTTO and parental consent, as per a report by Onmanorama.
How were the organs transported?
The process was coordinated by KNOS (Kerala Network for Organ Sharing) with assistance from the Home Department. As per a report by Onmanorama, an ambulance left Amrita Hospital, Kochi, at 7:15 pm for Thiruvananthapuram under police escort. The traffic curbs were put in place along the route to ensure swift movement.
Alin’s body will be brought to St. Thomas CSI Church, Nedungadappally, where prayers and service will be conducted before burial.