KOTTAYAM: Sooraj of Kottakkal who is suffering from kidney failure can have a peaceful sleep after a long time as Pala Auxiliary Bishop Mar Jacob Muricken has promised one of his kidneys to him.
Inspired by the act of Kidney Federation of India founder Fr Davis Chiramel, who has already set an example by donating one of his kidneys, Bishop Muricken also decided to take a leaf out of his book. On Friday, the Bishop appeared before the authorised committee at the Kottayam Medical College for the nod to donate kidney.
Thirty-year-old Sooraj was diagnosed with serious renal problem around one-and-a- half years ago and the treatment for the same was beyond his capacity as he was the lone bread winner of his family, comprising his mother and wife.
Sooraj, a staffer at the Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, had to face two other tragedies also in his life. His father Sudhakaran had died four years ago after a snake bit him and his younger brother Unnikrishnan died of heart attack. Sooraj was struggling to take care of his mother Parvathy and wife Baby Rasmi with his meagre salary when he was affected by kidney failure.
At this juncture, he had registered his name for kidney transplantation at the Kidney Federation of India.
On hearing Sooraj’s tale, Bishop Muricken didn’t have to think twice to promise his kidney to him.
The Bishop had heard of Fr Chirammel’s kind gesture two years ago during a Bible convention prompting him to decide to donate his kidney. He also wrote to Fr Davis Chiramel saying it was his message to donate kidney that inspired him to take such a decision. “It is for the first time that a Bishop is donating his kidney to a Hindu man, that too in the Holy Year of Mercy, following the call by Pope Francis to love each other without the barrier of caste or creed. The Bishop has also sought the blessings of the Pope for his gesture,” said Fr Davis Chirammel.
For the surgery expenses, Sooraj had to sell off his house and property and now, he is awaiting the support from good hearted people. The surgery is scheduled for June 1.
Financial aid
Those who wish to help Sooraj can send money to his account Sooraj E S, SBT Kottakkal branch, Malappuram district, Account No:57022131572, IFSC code SBTR00269.