Media Release

Mangaluru, June 27: Catholic Sabha, Ashoknagar unit organised a programme on organ donation for its parishoners on Jun 16. The resource person was Dr Amit D’souza, Nephrologist, Fr. Mullers Hospital, Kankanady.

The programme commenced with Winson inviting the dignitaries on the dais- Fr Aquin Noronha, parish priest, Fr Royston Lobo, assistant parish priest, Dr. Amith Dsouza, Rolphy D’costa, president, Catholic Sabha- Mangaluru Pradesh (R), Patrick D’souza,, president- City Episcopal Varado, Isaac Furtado- vice president, Ronald Colaco - president of Catholic Sabha, Ashoknagar, Noreen Pinto and Sr. Jyothi- superior of St. Joseph convent.

Ronald Colaco gave the welcome address and the lamp was lit. This was followed by a speech on the importance of pledging our organs by Rolphy Crasta. Fr Aquin Noronha lauded the members for organising such a need based programme. Noreen Pinto introduced the chief speaker of the programme.

During the programme, they also celebrated the 91st birthday of Lucy Monteiro who is a founder member of Catholic Sabha of the parish unit. After cutting the cake, they wished her well. Since it was Father’s Day, all fathers present were honoured with a rose.

Dr Amit gave a power point presentation on the current scenario of organ donation and how many people are in need of organs. He also spoke about the different parts that could be donated while living and when a person is brain dead. He explained the actual process and the ethics involved in brain dead organ donation and clarified a lot of our misconceptions. He also mentioned that by donating organs people can live fulfilling lives and need not worry, but there is an acute shortage of organs and those suffering from kidney and other problems have to wait for a very long time.

Later Debbie Locker shared her testimony as a kidney donor, and the paperwork and procedures involved in getting clearance. She also mentioned that while many people could pledge their organs, it would be better if there could be a proper compilation of data in our parish and when a person dies the group in charge could meet the family members and convince them to donate the organs of their loved ones. She added if anyone needs guidance and encouragement regarding kidney transplant her husband and she would be willing to guide them with the documentation and share their experiences with them to motivate them to donate their kidney.

At the end, vote of thanks was delivered by the secretary Wilson Dsouza.