Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (RJP)

Bangalore, Oct 13: The twelve year old Deepika, daughter of Krishnappa a gardener suddenly fell ill last year. In the initial stage, it was taken as anaemia. But later she was diagnosed with juvenile nephronophthisis.

The family had only two options, either to go for kidney transplant or for dialysis.

“Finding a donor becomes a problem. It was heart warming to see an illiterate gardener overcoming social and mental challenges and donate his kidney,” said Dr Saumil Gaur, Consultant Paediatric Nephrologist at Narayana Health City in the press meet.

By breaking the social barrier prevalent in the lower economic strata of giving importance to the male child, Krishnappa has shown them the way and has also inspired the people affected with the stigma.

"I have three children but adore my youngest daughter. I decided not to lose her. I wanted to save her. I had to do something and that is why I donated my organ to her.” said 59 year old Krishnappa recalling the disturbing day when doctors broke the news about Deepika's kidney failure.

Congenital Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition related to irreversible kidney damage that can further progress to end-stage renal disease. Growth in these children is often slowed and they suffer from associated morbidities like anaemia, hypertension, liver ailments and intellectual disability.

“After finding a donor, the biggest challenge before us was the size of both the kidneys. Deepika being a kid had a small kidney with small blood vessels and her father had a bigger kidney which was a challenge.” Dr Saumil said.
The four-hour-long surgery at Narayana health city saw a healthy father and a healthy daughter.

Paediatric transplant surgeon Dr. Sanjay Rao said that if the transplant is done immediately after diagnosis, the children will lead a healthy life.

Krishnappa is back to work. Deepika will go to school soon.