In order to spread awareness on organ donation; My father undertakes a road trip from Mumbai to London.

Despite being the second most populated country in the world, India faces acute shortage of organs for transplantation. As per the statistics from Fortis Organ Retrieval and Transplant, 500,000 people die annually across the country due to non-availability of organs. While 36 in a million people donated organs in Spain in 2014, 35 donated in Croatia, 27.02 donated in the United States, and only 0.34 donated in India.

My father (B. S. Chilana) found this scenario abysmal and depressing. Eager to spread awareness on organ donation, he decided to undertake a unique initiative: A road trip from Mumbai to London covering 23,000 Km; 15 countries and spreading awareness along the way.

How it all began

My father a resident of Mumbai, India was leading a happy life when suddenly my mother, who was just 50, passed away due to brain haemorrhage in 2012. In spite this irreparable loss, my dad decided to donate my mother's cornea.

Even before he could overcome my mother's loss, I (Priya Shah (37)), was diagnosed with a Chronic Kidney Disorder (CKD Stage 4) and was advised by doctors in England that a kidney transplant is imminent.

My father's life was in complete darkness and his life was shattered when he realised that my life was at risk. My father happily obliged and agreed to donate his kidney to me. However, due to his age the doctors in England refused to take his kidney. My husband, Jaideep Shah (37) came forward and donated one of his kidneys and I will always be grateful to him for this.

Since then, my father decided to dedicate his life in spreading awareness about organ donation and joined hands with MOHAN foundation, an NGO working towards spreading awareness about organ donation.

Spreading awareness across boundaries

My father wants to spread awareness not only in India but across the world. He decided to take a road trip from Mumbai to London and reach out to many along the way.

The 23,000 Km road trip from Mumbai to London was flagged off in Mumbai on 27th April, 2018 and will be completed in three months. 15 countries- Nepal, China, Kyrgystan, Uzbek, Turkmenistan, Iran, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, France and UK- will be covered along the way. This trip is now coming to a completion on 14th of July 2018 in London.

I will highly appreciate all your help in raising funds for Mohan Foundation who will then ensure this movement started by my father continues and grows around the world. If you want to learn more about Mohan Foundation and what they do please click on the link below.

www.mohanfoundation.org