K. Ramesh Reddy, a ‘double beneficiary’ of organ transplant, has embarked on a walkathon from Tirupati to Vijayawada to spread awareness about organ donation and dispel the myths surrounding it.
Ever since his surgeries in 2003 and 2009, when he received a liver and kidney, respectively, Mr. Reddy, 56, has been on a mission to popularise organ donation. “There are several misconceptions about organ donation and transplant.
People, more often than not, express their reluctance, citing medical or religious reasons.
However, they fail to realise that they are saving lives through a small step,” he told The Hindu .
Mr. Reddy also makes efforts to clear apprehensions among people and convince them that beneficiaries of organ transplants can lead a healthy and happy life.
“Though surgeries drain the enthusiasm of patients, they should, at the same time, realise that leading a normal life is quite possible. When it comes to organ transplant or donation, people’s thoughts are clouded, thanks to lack of awareness. My walkathon is enough to clear doubts and prove that a person with even two transplants can lead an active life,” said Mr. Reddy, who is also the chairman of Kovvuru Foundation.
Having commenced his journey from Sri Govindaraja Swamy temple here on Friday, Mr. Reddy will reach Kanaka Durga temple in Vijayawada on March 11, crossing more than five districts on his way. Incidentally, Friday marked the 13th year of his successful kidney transplant.
Last year, he had walked all the way from Proddatur in Kadapa district to Tirupati, covering more than 215 km.
