Kunal Subhash Keni , age 34 has been diagnosed of Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Since he is still in his early thirties, the only way it can be cured is a complex Heart Transplant which needs to take place in a few weeks.
Every day we come across stories of inspiration, we come across individuals so inspiring that we want to follow their thoughts and actions. This is one such story of a person who is fighting for his life, yet inspiring many to lend a hand to others. 27-year-old Kunal Subhash Keni from Mumbai is waiting for a new heart
Kunal Subhash Keni , age 34 has been diagnosed of Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Since he is still in his early thirties, the only way it can be cured is a complex Heart Transplant which needs to take place in a few weeks.
Every day we come across stories of inspiration, we come across individuals so inspiring that we want to follow their thoughts and actions. This is one such story of a person who is fighting for his life, yet inspiring many to lend a hand to others. 27-year-old Kunal Subhash Keni from Mumbai is waiting for a new heart
Until few months ago, he was like us, living his dreams. But what started as a common flu infection, changed into something serious. He suffers from a condition called Dilated Cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart becomes enlarged and cannot pump blood efficiently and Arrhythmia, a condition where the heart beats faster or in an irregular pattern. He suffered a brain stroke and a cardiac arrest last month. His only hope is a heart transplant.
Few days ago at Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai, there was an unusual number of people visiting and they were heading towards the cardiac ward where Kunal was admitted. His family was slowly recovering from the shock that young Kunal needs a heart transplant. But they saw rather an unusual sight that day, in spite of being in the hospital suffering from pain and with extreme weakness, Kunal was all smiles to see his friends. That day, his family realized something about their son- the people that gathered did not come out of sympathy, they came to give back to the person who helped them and inspired them.
When A Common Illness Lead to A Life Threatening Condition
Few months ago, Kunal was constantly falling sick with flu-related symptoms. He was taken to various hospitals for treatment. He had difficulty in breathing and was rushed to hospitals at early hours of the day. Doctors could not identify anything unusual. It was in February 2016 that Kunal's condition began to worsen. He was hospitalized, and his reports showed that he suffered heart-related problems.
The doctors could not identify what led to Kunal's heart being affected this way. After various discussions and analysis, it was found that it was a flu-related injection that resulted in the weakening of his heart. Tests also showed that Kunal suffered from Pleural effusion, a condition in which excess fluid builds around the lung.
This news came as a shock to the family. Who would expect that the ordinary flu would cause something as grave as this?
A Brother’s Struggle to Save The First Son Of The House
Doctors suggested he needs to undergo a surgery to insert an implant which will support his heart. But his brother Jaita, wanted to get a second opinion.Doctors there decided to keep him on medications until the transplant
The family exhausted their savings and network . Adding to their misery, Kunal's condition started to worsen and lead to what they feared the most.
Fighting a Cardiac Arrest at A Young Age of 29
Kunal suffered a brain stroke followed by a cardiac arrest. Doctors began an immediate search for a donor's heart. But it is not very easy to get a heart for transplant. In order to prevent another cardiac arrest, the doctors decided to operate Kunal and insert an Automated Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Implant (AICD). An AICD is a device that monitors a person's heart rate. They are generally implanted into heart failure patients. After the implant was inserted, Kunal was brought to the cardiac ward. When his condition became better, the family decided to take him home as they could not manage the hospitalization charges. The implant will prevent another cardiac arrest and will keep Kunal stable while away from the hospital.
Search For A Donor
Search for a donor continues. Jaita has been visiting doctors from several hospitals to get an opinion before the transplant. She is now planning to shift Kunal to Kokilaben Hospital, Mumbai because of the availability of a donor heart for transplant.
If doctors at confirm the date of transplant, Kunal will be taken to the hospital via an air ambulance which will cost the family an additional of over Rs 5 lakhs. Post the transplant, Kunal needs to stay in the hospital for 3 weeks, followed by 6 months of close monitoring.
How You Can Help Kunal
Kunal is just 27 but fights for his life. His only hope lies in finding a donor. The family is trying to get more support, but 50 lakhs is beyond what they can manage. He has inspired many to live and helped anyone who came asking for help. Your contribution will help him at this crucial time and will save his life.
Funds collected will be transferred to the hospital towards his transplant expenses and all supporters will receive regular updates on Kunal's progress.
