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My father abandoned my mom before I was born. Mom worked as a house help and earned just enough to put food on the table. Growing up, my only dream was to give her a life of comfort, so I studied hard, got into an engineering college; it felt like our tough days were finally over. 

But when I was 19, I got typhoid and jaundice; I couldn’t even stand. It got to a point where I couldn’t eat or drink anything. Mom rushed me to the hospital; the doctors told me I had a chronic Liver disease. 

After that, our lives were never the same; only a liver transplant could save me. I gave up college and everything I’d worked so hard for. Mom was helpless–she’d cry day and night. To pay the hospital bills, she sold her jewelry and borrowed money. She quit her job to look after me.

It was only 4 years later that I finally got a donor match. The surgery alone cost Rs 25 lakh. Mom had absolutely no means to pay for this operation–so we applied for medical aid on a website. And within a month, we were able to raise the entire amount!

And the transplant was successful; I recovered in 6 months, but I couldn’t continue my studies–we couldn’t afford it. Luckily, I landed a job as a medical biller and started working to help mom run the house. 

But all the while, I couldn’t stop thinking about the surgery and donations. So I went to my own fundraiser to see if I could thank any of them–I found there were more than 1900 anonymous donors; I was overwhelmed! That’s when I stumbled upon it’s SIP, a monthly donation plan which helps underprivileged kids receive medical support. 

I was somewhat in a position to contribute; I figured if I could help a child of even one family every month, it’d be enough. So I signed up. Now, every time I make a contribution, I know it’s helping someone get a chance at life. 

At 24, I’m financially independent and even support my mum’s small garment business. And it’s only been possible because of those 1900 people who never knew me, but still saved my life. I’ll never be able to repay them, but every day that I am alive and breathing, I know that I need to pay it forward–their kindness saved me, maybe mine can save others