10-month-old becomes Kerala’s youngest organ donor; leaders praise parents’ ‘extraordinary’ act

They described the parents' generous gesture as an 'extraordinary act of compassion and a message to all humanity.'

Thiruvananthapuram: Ten-month-old Aalin Sherin Abraham became Kerala's youngest organ donor as her organs gave fresh lease of life to four children in Kerala. Her parents are being widely appreciated for the emotional decision, especially since many children suffering from organ failures are finding it difficult to get suitable organs.

Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and actor Mohanlal were among those who hailed the decision of Aalin's parents Arun Abraham and Sherin Ann John, who hail from Pathanamthitta. The Kerala government has also decided to accord police honors for her funeral on Sunday.

Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (K-SOTTO) executive director Dr Noble Gracious told DH that scores of children who suffer organ failures were struggling to get suitable organs. Hence, the decision of the parents of the 10-month old girl deserves much appreciation.

"There are practical difficulties in transplanting adults' organs on children, mainly due to size. It is quite difficult to get organs from children who suffer brain death as their parents are often reluctant to donate organs owing to emotional reasons. Hence, the decision of Aalin's parents deserve much appreciation," said Dr Gracious.

Kidneys, liver, cornea and heart valve of Aalin were transplanted. Transplantation of kidneys and liver were already done to a 10-year-old child and six-month-old child in Thiruvananthapuram, respectively.

Aalin was declared brain dead at a private hospital in Kochi where she was under treatment following a road accident. The organs were brought to Thiruvananthapuram by road on Friday night with the police regulating traffic to ensure hindrance-free movement of the ambulance for around 220 kilometers.