In a historic first, 2-year-old Prosper, who is the first foreign national at PGIMER, has become India's youngest pancreas donor. His organ donation has provided new life opportunities to two patients suffering from kidney failure through simultaneous pancreas and kidney (SPK) transplantation, while another patient received a separate kidney transplant.
Additionally, the family's selfless decision allowed for cornea transplantation, granting two more individuals the "valuable gift of sight"—a feat made possible only through their extraordinary kindness, ultimately impacting four lives.
This case marks a significant milestone as PGIMER's first organ donation involving a foreign national, with Prosper becoming the country's youngest pancreas donor.
In an emotional turn, the 2-year-old angel, fondly known as Prosper Kiyumba, has become an unexpected beacon of hope for those in need of organ transplants. Despite their immense loss, Prosper's family courageously decided to donate his organs, transforming grief into purpose and life.
PGIMER Director Prof. Vivek Lal expressed heartfelt condolences to the grieving family during this tragic time, stating, "This case highlights the importance of organ donation. Losing such a young life is profoundly sorrowful, but the noble act by Prosper's family turns it into a priceless gift of life for others."
On October 17, Prosper suffered a serious injury at home and was urgently admitted to PGIMER in a critical condition. Despite the dedicated efforts of the medical team at PGIMER, he was declared brain dead on October 26, ending his ten-day struggle between life and death. Nevertheless, amid their deep sorrow, Prosper's family decided to donate his organs, making him the country's youngest pancreas donor.
Prosper's mother, Jacqueline Diary, tearfully remarked, “When our hearts break into a million pieces, we find comfort in knowing that Prosper's organs will give life to others who are suffering. This act of kindness is our way of keeping his life alive, and I hope it brings peace to our family and hope to those in need.” Her courageous decision underscores that even from the darkest times, deep love and resilience can emerge.
Prof. Vipin Kaushal, Medical Superintendent of PGIMER and nodal officer of ROTTO (North), provided detailed information about the case, stating, "After obtaining family consent and necessary clearances, including from the Kenyan High Commission, PGIMER's medical team successfully performed a simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation for one recipient while another patient received a separate kidney transplant."
Furthermore, Prosper's corneas will allow two individuals to regain their sight, significantly impacting four lives through the extraordinary kindness of the donor family,” added Prof. Kaushal.
Discussing the challenges in such cases, Prof. Ashish Sharma, head of kidney transplantation surgery at PGIMER, said, "Transplants from young donors present unique challenges, not just in terms of surgical technique, but also in navigating the emotional landscape surrounding this significant loss. Separating two kidneys at such a young age is inherently challenging due to their small size. Adding the pancreas transplant for one recipient further complicates the surgery. However, my team was inspired by the family's intent to maximize organ utilization for those in need and accepted the challenge."
The pastor who was with the family providing comfort described this experience as a testament to their compassion, stating, “Despite the immense sorrow, we chose the path of love. Prosper's donation is a testament to our belief that even after death, our child can bring joy to others and offer them a chance at life.”