Expressnews
Chennai, 04 April 2023: In a special effort to celebrate theheroism of transplant recipients and showcase sustained support to patients beyond the treatment cycle, Apollo Hospitals is sponsoring the journey of former patient and star sportsperson, Sumeer Kumar, to the World Transplant Games in Australia this month. The World Transplant Games is the world’s largest awareness event and sporting platform for transplant communities.
Sumeer Kumar is a professional sportsperson who has excelled in cricket, badminton and athletics. However, he has endured a two-decade-old battle with various medical conditions. At the peak of his cricketing career, he was diagnosed with acute kidney failure. Respiratory infections while on a high-altitude training programme some years later affected his kidneys again. He has since faced multiple surgeries critical surgeries, including open heart procedures, at Apollo Hospitals. The pandemic brought more criticality as he suffered a paralytic attack from a stroke. But with ongoing support and care of Apollo Hospitals, as well as his determination and resilience, Sumeer overcame the odds and became an inspiration to the transplant community.
Dr Venkatesh Rajkumar – Senior Consultant, Nephrologist, Apollo Hospitals, said, “Apollo Hospitals is pleased to sponsor Sumeer Kumar’s journey to the World Transplant Games in Australia. We feel it is vital for us to go beyond the treatment cycle and connect with patients in a way where we can meaningfully impact their lives. Sumeer is also the sole representative at the Games from Tamil Nadu. This sponsorship effort is an opportunity for us to showcase heroes from our country on international platforms.”
Sumeer Kumar, the kidney transpant survivor and volunteer with the Kidney Warriors Foundation and a Holistic Wellness Coach, said, “I am honoured that Apollo Hospitals has been an integral part of my journey for many years and am gratefulfor their immense support. This sponsorship opportunity is an impetus for me to rise to even greater heights. The grand gesture, apart from the expertise of the doctors and their human touch during the treatment programme, will remain etched in my heart. I hope that my story will inspire others like me to surge ahead and strengthen the narrative for transplant survivors.”
The Games will see participation by 2500 sportspersons fromover 50 countries. The Gift of Life Baton, a new symbol of organ donation, will be presented to the World Transplant Games in Perth this year.
