Praveen Kumar Rattan/Roopa Arora
Chandigarh, Liver recipient/donor
If there is ever a ‘perfect couple’ award in the history of organ transplant in India, Praveen and Roopa from Chandigarh will be a top contender for the title. Praveen, an accounts officer in Chandigarh, received the gift of life in 2011 when his wife Roopa donated 65 per cent of her liver to save him. Roopa, a school teacher, was only 36 when she was confronted with the biggest challenge of her life. Once Praveen was diagnosed with end-stage liver disease and Roopa’s organ matched, there was no turning back. In 2014, they were blessed with a son. “Earlier, we were struggling to save one life, but now we have bigger reasons to live,” says Roopa. As a thanksgiving, the duo runs a foundation to promote the cause of organ donation. It was their first time at the WTG but they had prior international ‘experience’ by becoming the first Indians to participate in the Transplant Games of America in August 2018. Praveen took part in 100m and 5,000m walk, 10,000-metre cycling time trial, ball throw and discus (recipient category) in the UK. Roopa competed in ball throw, 100m and long jump (donor category). “It’s quite an experience to run a race with my wife’s body part,” says Praveen, for whom Roopa “will always be my hero”.