Kerala’s Youngest Organ Donor Aalin Sherin Abraham Gives New Life to Four: Liver and Kidneys Transplanted Successfully
- Devesh
- Feb 17
- 4 min read
10-Month-Old Aalin Sherin Abraham’s Organs Save Children; Funeral Held With State Honours
In a moment that has moved Kerala and the entire nation, ten-month-old Aalin Sherin Abraham became the youngest organ donor in the State, giving new life to four individuals — including two critically ill children — through an extraordinary act of parental courage and compassion.
Declared brain dead after a tragic road accident, Aalin’s liver, two kidneys, heart valve, and corneas were donated following the consent of her parents, Arun Abraham and Sherin Ann John, transforming unimaginable grief into a life-saving legacy.
Her funeral was held with State honours at St. Thomas CSI Church, Nedungadappally, following a directive by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who described the organ donation as a noble and historic act.
How Youngest Organ Donor Aalin Sherin Abraham Gives New Life to Four After Tragic Accident
Aalin sustained critical injuries in a road accident on February 5 near Pallam Borma Junction on M.C. Road, while travelling with her mother and maternal grandparents.
Initially treated at hospitals in Changanassery and Thiruvalla, she was shifted to Amrita Hospital, Kochi, on February 6 for advanced care.
Injuries and Medical Intervention
Traumatic brain injury
Rib injury
Lung injury
Severe brain swelling
Despite intensive care in the Pediatric ICU, emergency neurosurgery was performed to relieve brain swelling. She was treated under the supervision of:
Dr. Sajith Kesavan
Dr. Binoy
Dr. Greeshma
Neurosurgical intervention by Dr. Suhas Udayakumaran
After comprehensive evaluation and two serial brainstem death tests conducted 24 hours apart, doctors confirmed brain death on February 12.
Parents’ Consent and Coordination Through K-SOTTO
In an extraordinary act of generosity amid unbearable grief, Aalin’s parents consented to organ donation.
The process was coordinated through the Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (K-SOTTO).
Organs Donated and Allocation
Liver → KIMSHEALTH, Thiruvananthapuram
Kidneys (both) → Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram
Heart valve → Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology
Corneas → Eye Bank at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences
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Green Corridor Operation: Kochi to Thiruvananthapuram
A carefully coordinated green corridor facilitated by the Kerala Police ensured rapid organ transport.
Ambulance departed Amrita Hospital at 7:15 PM
Reached Thiruvananthapuram shortly after 10:30 PM
Transport accompanied by Dr. Varghese Eldho (KIMSHEALTH)
Ambulance driven by Jayaneesh, Amrita Hospital staff member
This precision ensured that transplant surgeries began within hours.
Liver Transplant: Six-Month-Old Dhriya Gets a Second Chance
The liver was transplanted at KIMSHEALTH Hospital into Dhriya, a six-month-old infant suffering from severe liver failure due to Primary Biliary Atresia.
She had undergone a Kasai procedure at three months of age, but her condition progressively worsened, leaving liver transplantation as the only option.
Current Status
Clinical condition stable
Metabolic parameters improving
Encouraging early liver function results
The transplant surgery began late Friday night and was completed in the early hours of Saturday.
Dual Kidney Transplant: Rare Procedure for 10-Year-Old Girl
Aalin’s two kidneys, each measuring just 5 cm, were transplanted into a 10-year-old girl from Vellarada.
The child had been diagnosed with severe renal failure due to bilateral Vesicoureteral Reflux and had been on maintenance haemodialysis at SAT Hospital’s Paediatric Nephrology Unit since age eight.
Why Both Kidneys Were Transplanted
According to Dr. Susan Uthup, Head of Paediatric Nephrology at SAT Hospital:
A 10-year-old typically requires kidneys measuring 8–10 cm
Since Aalin’s kidneys were smaller, both were transplanted to achieve adequate renal capacity
The surgery:
Began at 11 PM Friday
Completed at 5:45 AM Saturday
Creatinine levels have begun to drop
Patient recovering well in ICU
Dr. Uthup described it as:
“A very unusual event — for an infant’s kidneys to be donated and a rarer event for both to be transplanted into a young child.”
The transplant was conducted by a renal transplant team at Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, including paediatric nephrologists and surgeons.
Heart Valve and Corneas: Extending Hope Further
The heart valves were sent to Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute, where they will be processed and stored in a heart valve bank for future transplantation.
The corneas were received by the Eye Bank at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences.
State Honours and Chief Minister’s Visit
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, accompanied by Health Minister Veena George and CPI(M) district secretary Raju Abraham, visited Aalin’s family at Mallappally.
He spent over half an hour consoling the family.
The Chief Minister stated:
“The act of donating the organs of Aalin Sherin Abraham is noble.”
Aalin was laid to rest with State honours on Sunday.
A Legacy Beyond Life
Hospital administrators and staff at Amrita Hospital paid tribute before Aalin’s final journey:
Administrator Dr. Rehna
Deputy GM Shijo T.M.
Swamini Karunamrita led prayers
Doctors and staff offered a guard of honour
Through her parents’ decision, Aalin has:
Saved the life of a six-month-old baby
Given renal independence to a 10-year-old girl
Preserved heart valves for future surgery
Restored vision through corneal donation
Also Read | India Ranks 3rd Globally in Organ Transplants
Why Youngest Organ Donor Aalin Sherin Abraham Gives New Life to Four Is a Historic Moment
Youngest organ donor in Kerala
Rare dual kidney transplant from infant to child
Multi-organ donation involving liver, kidneys, heart valve, corneas
Successful green corridor coordination
State honour recognition
The Broader Impact of Organ Donation in India
Aalin’s story reinforces the life-saving importance of organ donation:
Brainstem death certification enables ethical donation
Coordinated transplant networks like K-SOTTO are critical
Green corridor systems reduce ischemic time
Pediatric organ donation, though rare, can save multiple lives
Her legacy underscores how one family’s courage can reshape multiple futures.
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