It was a special moment for Ms. Riyaa Palan as she took the stage to speak about a topic that she had taken special interest in and had undergone formal training with MOHAN Foundation to become an Organ Donation Ambassador. A few years back, Riyaa's family had taken a brave decision to donate her grandfather's organs when he was hospitalised all of a sudden and very unfortunately, declared to be brain dead by the doctors.

 

In the afternoon of February 22, 2023, as Riyaa addressed the audience consisting of parents and students, she explained the concepts of brain death and cardiac death, the number of lives that can be saved in each case and the need for having conversations around organ donation. She also spoke about the ways in which individual members of the audience can choose to support the cause of organ donation.

 

On behalf of Oberoi International School, Ms. Riyaa had invited Ms. Jaya Jairam, Project Director at MOHAN Foundation and Ms. Regina (name changed), to share deeper insights. Ms. Regina was a 4 time corneal transplant recipient and in support of Riyaa's sincere efforts, she publicly shared her story for the first time. Ms. Jaya Jairam, who had been mentoring Riyaa also shared her personal story of undergoing a kidney transplant and how that was a life-altering event for her.

 

The audience raised many queries that were answered to their satisfaction. Some of the queries were as follows -

1. Does the donor family get to know and meet the recipients?
2. You said that there is no disfigurement - What is the process of organ retrieval?
3. How do we know that the organs are not misused?
4. Can persons with certain diseases donate their organs?
5. Are organs of old persons useful as well?
6. Are donor families given any monetary compensation?
7. What if my family members refuse to donate my organs inspite of having a donor card?

 

Around 30 persons attended the event and it was very well appreciated by them all. Prior to this event, Riyaa had conducted similar awareness talks for around 50 teachers.

 

At the end, Riyaa's classmates distributed a Gratitude Card designed by Riyaa, to the audience present. The card also carried access to online pledge on MOHAN Foundation's website.

 

MOHAN Foundation appreciates Riyaa's sincere efforts to raise awareness and motivate more individuals to support the cause.