Have you ever wondered why, despite its roughness and gloom, and in spite of all its unfairness, pain, and suffering, this world remains a beautiful and vibrant place? What drives the world forward? What keeps it connected, despite the superficial and shallow elements we encounter daily? Is it the allure of Bollywood and Hollywood stars whom the masses idolize, or the business tycoons everyone aspires to emulate? Is it the aggression and adventurism of historical figures like Alexander and Hitler? Or perhaps it is the high moral teachings of individuals like Gandhi and Mandela?

These figures were undoubtedly heroes of their times. However, for me, the true beauty of this world lies in the contributions and sacrifices of those we often overlook—the unsung heroes. Their selfless actions and sacrifices, carried out quietly and consistently throughout their lives, have made existence possible even in the most hopeless circumstances.

Friends, today I want to highlight a remarkable hero among us whose courageous actions embody altruism and kindness. Dr. Amita Aggarwal, the wife of Dr. Sandeep Aggarwal, demonstrated her deep love and respect for her family by donating a portion of her liver to save the life of her father-in-law, Mr. S.K. Aggarwal.

This story begins years earlier with the determination and resilience of a loving son, Dr. Sandeep. He dedicated himself to understanding the nature of his father’s illness and worked tirelessly to find an appropriate cure. His journey has been revealing, and the unwavering support of his wife throughout this long battle ultimately led to their success.

Dr. Sandeep was in his second year of college when his father was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver, possibly due to NASH. Twenty-five years ago, treatment options were limited, and the mere mention of cirrhosis was devastating. Even today, despite advancements and improved understanding of liver diseases, the reality of end-stage liver conditions comes with an uncertainty of outcomes. The diagnosis—a deadly disease threatening Mr. Aggarwal’s life—left the entire family gasping for breath.
Mr. Aggarwal’s mental state suffered a significant depressive blow, which manifested physically and aggravated his illness. There was a dangerous race between his hopes for recovery and the deterioration of his liver condition. The pressure in his hepatosplenic circulatory system increased, and one fateful day, the esophageal varices ruptured, leading to a severe episode of bloody vomiting that necessitated an emergency visit to the hospital. Endoscopic banding was performed on the bleeding vessels to control the hemorrhaging, along with the administration of medications such as beta-blockers.

During those dismal days, motivated by his love for his father and a sense of responsibility to support the family, young Sandeep clung to the diminishing feeling of hope. He decided to investigate the cause of his father’s cirrhosis. Mr. Aggarwal was a teetotaler. Hepatitis B markers were negative. Although Hepatitis C was not commonly discussed in the early nineties, Sandeep, driven by curiosity and insight, chose to pursue this possibility. His efforts paid off, and the Hepatitis C virus was indeed identified as the source of their troubles. Treatment options were explored, and despite being extremely expensive, antiviral medications specific to Hepatitis C were initiated. Gradually, life seemed to be returning to normal, but not without another shock.

Due to the use of beta-blockers, Mr. Aggarwal developed complete heart block. The beta-blockers were discontinued, allowing the antiviral therapy for Hepatitis C to continue for the recommended duration, in accordance with the current medical guidelines. Even the insertion of a pacemaker, a relatively straightforward procedure, did not come without complications, adding to the agony and suffering of both Mr. Aggarwal and his family. For Dr. Sandeep, it was a task that needed to be completed promptly while remaining focused and thoughtful, as if he were striving to be worthy of his own suffering.

“There is only one thing that I dread: not to be worthy of my own suffering.”
— Bismarck

Mr. Aggarwal was placed on a regimen of periodic blood investigations, including liver function tests, AFP levels, and radiological scans. As a result, life began to return to a sense of normalcy. Young Sandeep had transformed into Dr. Sandeep and was happily married to Dr. Amita.

Destiny derives unknown pleasures from the peripeteia of events.

However, as I noted in “Rage Against The Dying of the Light,” destiny often takes unexpected turns. In late 2008, Mr. Aggarwal’s AFP levels started to rise significantly, and his liver scans revealed suspicious lesions. It became clear that hepatocellular carcinoma was developing. Consequently, Mr. Aggarwal underwent a new series of tests, which led to a fresh wave of hospital visits and consultations. This uncertainty began to overshadow the family’s hopes, making one reflect on the tension between the harsh realities of disease and the comfort found in familiar routines—routines that are often overlooked until they are disrupted.

The most viable solution was a living-donor liver transplant. This option, while promising, came with its own set of challenges, especially given Mr. Aggarwal’s long-standing liver condition and the presence of an artificial pacemaker in his heart. But, as happens in many difficult situations, the greatest hurdle was locating a suitable and compatible donor.

Amidst this crisis, the power of love emerged as a guiding force. These were undoubtedly challenging times for the family. Dr. Sandeep felt the heavy responsibility of trying to save his father while simultaneously considering the well-being of his own family. Unfortunately, he and his siblings were all deemed unfit to donate: some had blood type mismatches, while others faced issues like fatty liver. This left the possibility of asking his wife, Dr. Amita, to step forward as a donor.

The delicate nature of this situation underscores the complexity of communication in such emotionally charged contexts. It was crucial for Dr. Sandeep to approach the conversation carefully, as even an innocent dialogue could be misconstrued. Furthermore, the weight of knowing that any decision made could significantly impact their children added to the difficulty.

What no one anticipated was Dr. Amita’s response. Her position was undeniably complex: she was a compassionate wife to Dr. Sandeep, a devoted daughter-in-law facing impending loss, and the nurturing mother of both a young son and an infant daughter. Just a month and a half postpartum, having welcomed a beautiful baby girl in September 2008, she faced an incredible challenge.

There’s a profound saying: “The same boiling water that softens the potato hardens the egg.” It’s in the face of extraordinary challenges that one’s true character often shines through. Some individuals exhibit remarkable strength and resilience, and Dr. Amita exemplified this perfectly. Without hesitation, she agreed to undergo surgery and endure the pain involved, placing family needs above her own concerns. Despite the physical toll of her recent pregnancy, her decision reflected not just bravery but a deep-seated altruism.

Ultimately, the essence of her act was profound. It wasn’t simply about the physical sacrifice; it was her extraordinary willingness to embrace a difficult challenge and selflessly offer a part of herself for the sake of others. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder of the capacity for love and sacrifice in the most trying of times.
The world thrives because of the noble souls among us, and we are fortunate to share our lives with them. We are blessed to have Dr. Amita and Dr. Sandeep in our community. In an era often filled with negativity, they stand as beacons of hope and strength. It is our duty to celebrate these unsung heroes. Their stories deserve to be told and should inspire others.

As the author of a book addressing this sensitive issue and as a father to a son who has faced similar struggles, I feel a profound connection to these narratives. I urge you all to read, share, and let these tales inspire you. If you know of any stories that resonate, please share them with me. Together, we can highlight the truth that some heroes remain faceless.

Meet Our Hero
Dr. Amita Aggarwal

• Senior Dental Surgeon Shalimar Garden Ext-2 (in private practice since 1999)
• BDS from College of Dental Surgery Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education(MAHE)
• Mother of two loving children — college-going son, and a daughter in 8th standard.