Raising a toast to life anew is18 year for Reuben Bhowmick from Bangalore, all thanks to the presence of mind and altruism of a family of a youth  who died in an accident. For Reuben and his father, it was nothing short of a miracle that a family  in the depths  of grief could still think of helping  a stranger live.

Reuben’s problem started at the tender age of two when he developed a urinary tract infection. The problem then cascaded into nephritis and finally into renal failure. A kidney transplant was the only answer since dialysis was not helping.  It was a difficult time for the family as they were already reeling under the unexpected loss of Reuben’s mother in 2000.  However, Mr. Bhowmick decided to register with FORTE for cadaveric kidney. (Foundation for Organ retrieval of transplant Education FORTE is an NGO which co-ordinate organ sonation of transplant activities in Bangalore).  Mr.Bhowmick had decided that he would have nothing to do with the seamier side of trade of organs, which unfortunately still exists. His faith paid off, a donor kidney became available for Reuben and finally the transplant was performed, post transplant, Reuben is on the mandatory immunosuppressive regimen for kidney transplants and it is an expensive exercise for Mr. Bhowmick. But it is all worth to see Reuben back in college where he belongs.