A match made in #HamOnt: One year later
Mowing the lawn on a sun-filled spring day is a welcome task for Bhargav Turaga, one he couldn't manage 12 months ago. The Milton resident and his wife Naga have both happily resumed their daily grind and the anonymity that comes with it. A year ago they were easily recognized by strangers, and received well wishes from people around the world when they agreed to broadcast on Facebook Live a life-saving surgical exchange; Naga gave one of her two working kidneys to Bhargav.
"It was a privilege for me to take a kidney from my wife," says the Information Technologist, "and that it was a match."
Their recovery has been swift and ahead of the curve. Bhargav was back in the office four months after surgery. Naga returned to work a month and a half post-op. They credit the online support of viewers to the live event, as well as those who caught the recorded segments in the days following the spectacle. Kidney patients, transplant recipients and living donors, students and those simply curious tuned in to see the mother and father of two teen daughters undergo surgery.
Their journey to the operating room began a few years earlier, when Bhargav's kidney condition, IGA Nephritis began to deteriorate. Dialysis three times a week would become a necessity unless he had a transplant. As they set out to research the pros and cons of their options the couple made a startling discovery; there was little educational material at their disposal.
The chance to be involved in a St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton public education campaign around general kidney care, the importance of kidney transplants and living donations appealed to the Turaga's. Even more appealing was the idea of getting the message out through social media. Both husband and wife work in IT and know the value of online platforms.
The concept also provided the Turaga family with some unique opportunities; relatives living in India and Australia weren't left waiting and wondering during the hours of surgery. They were able to watch every step as it unfolded on Facebook Live.
"It was a great pleasure for them to watch the live stream, being so far away from Canada," says Bhargav.
Since video of the live stream material is published on the St. Joe's page Bhargav and Naga had another rare moment, a chance to watch themselves in the operating room.
"I was a bit hesitant to watch the surgery," adds Bhargav, "but I did watch it in hospital. It's amazing."
The 'awe' factor of the live streamed transplant was initially shared by thousands. In the following weeks, the number rose substantially, reaching 36 million Facebook viewers. The overwhelming success of the project earned the hospital's Public Affairs team two national awards.
Though the online campaign has ended, the Turaga's continue to share their experience within the St. Joe's transplant program, volunteering as mentors for potential kidney recipients and living donors. It's their 'donation' to a hospital and program they believe has secured them a healthy future.
"Having the transplantation, you are literally getting back your life."
Anyone wishing to make a donation to support St. Joe's kidney, dialysis or transplant program can visit stjoesfoundation.ca/MakeAGift. Donations of all sizes support life-saving care, unique programs and leading research at St. Joe's, and help patients like Bhargav, Naga, and so many more.