Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Nov 13: In a profound display of love and courage, the family of Gloria Asha Rodrigues, a 23-year-old resident of Bajpe, Mangaluru, turned their grief into hope for others through organ donation after she was declared brain dead. Gloria, the daughter of Gration Alex Rodrigues and Gretta Flavia Rodrigues, had recently completed her MCom at St Aloysius UG, Mangaluru, and began her career at the same institution in July 2024.
On November 8, around 1:30 pm, Gloria suffered a sudden anaphylactic reaction and was rushed to Father Muller Medical College Hospital (FMMCH). She was treated by Dr Roshan M, head of the general medicine department, and his team, who initiated life-saving measures, including mechanical ventilation and 12 cycles of CPR. Despite exhaustive efforts, her condition remained critical. Following EEG tests, severe brain dysfunction was confirmed, and on Saturday evening, the ICU team informed the family of Gloria's tragic condition.
Gloria Asha Rodrigues
On Monday evening, following an apnea test, the final diagnosis of brain death was confirmed. Gloria’s family was then counseled by FMMCH’s team, including administrator Fr Jeevan George Sequeira, assistant administrator Fr Donald Nilesh Crasta, and medical superintendent Dr Udayakumar. The organ transplant coordinator explained the organ donation process, and after deep reflection and support, the family bravely chose to honor her memory by donating her organs.
Gloria’s brother took a leading role in the decision to donate, recognizing that Gloria’s legacy could bring new life to others. In collaboration with the government-led organ donation body "Jeeva Sarthaka" at Wenlock District Hospital and Karnataka's organ donation network, her organs were matched with recipients on the waitlist. Specialized teams coordinated with precision for the organ retrieval process.
Gloria’s gift has transformed many lives:
- Her lungs were transplanted at BGS Global Hospitals, Chennai.
- Her heart was received by a patient at Narayana Hrudayalaya, Bengaluru.
- Her liver was harvested by Aster Hospital, Bengaluru, and sent to AJ Hospital, Mangaluru.
- Both kidneys and her corneas were donated to KMC, Manipal.
- Her skin was preserved by the Father Muller Rotary Skin Bank, facilitated by Dr Singhal Ashish Shivendra and Dr Aravind Lakshmana Rao from the plastic surgery department.
A coordinated effort led by Dr Vijay Sundar Singh, intensivist, Dr Kishan Shetty, head of the anaesthesiology department, and surgical teams enabled the harvesting of Gloria’s organs in the Oncology OT complex at FMMCH. Before the procedure, an emotional "Honor Walk" was held, with staff and family escorting Gloria from the Asha Kiran entrance to the OT complex as a mark of respect.
Dr Udayakumar oversaw all legal, medical, and government procedures, supported by FMMCH’s nursing and management teams. Gloria’s noble act was embraced by all who knew her, showcasing the strength of her family’s love and generosity.
The transport of the organs to the airport was coordinated in-house by Fr Ajith B Menezes, administrator of FMMC, and director of FMCI, Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho. They personally managed the crowd and vehicle flow to ensure the organs reached the airport promptly. They later visited the mortuary to pay homage to Gloria’s heroic deed.
Through Gloria’s act of kindness, many lives continue, and her legacy endures through the recipients of her organs. Father Muller Medical College Hospital and the community remain deeply grateful to her family for transforming an unimaginable loss into hope and life for others.