Stories of Hope

Apurva, multi-organ recipient

Apurva’s multi-organ transplant journey

Triple-organ recipient Apurva has dedicated his career to global development endeavors in support of social service organizations around the world. Outside of work, you’ll find him traveling, cooking, reading and spending quality time with family and friends. When Apurva began experiencing extreme exhaustion and weight gain, he sought medical guidance with shocking results: three of his vital organs were in critical condition — so critical that a heart, liver and kidney transplant was needed to save his life.

Previously in good health, Apurva had initially been trying to process the devastating news that his heart was very sick when he was also diagnosed with cirrhosis and liver cancer. Soon after, he learned that his kidneys were damaged as well. Stand-alone transplants were not an option due to his weakened heart. A multi-organ transplant was Apurva’s only hope, and he traveled to a distant hospital specializing in the complex surgery for treatment. After spending nearly 110 days there, an organ donor made it possible for Apurva to receive his new heart, liver and kidney — and with those organs — a new lease on life.

Life as a heart, liver and kidney recipient

After a few initial bumps on his road to recovery, Apurva left the hospital just over a month after the surgery, and he has never looked back. Today, he is feeling healthy and energized once again, and he has been able return to work. Most importantly, Apurva is happy to be home with his family again, treasuring time with his wife, and the opportunity for them to experience the joy of watching their two sons grow into wonderful young men. Apurva has deep gratitude for the healthcare providers that looked after him during every step of his organ transplant journey, and he is also profoundly awed by — and will be forever grateful to — the organ donor and donor family that saved his life.

“Registering as an organ, eye and tissue donor is an amazing way to extend and heal the life of another person,” said Apurva. “I think it is often the last gesture of charity and service one can give. Whether as a living donor or deceased donor, it is a profound act of generosity. I will never be able to put into words the appreciation I feel for my donor and donor family who, amidst their tragedy, made it possible for my family to have more years together.”