Marking the occasion of World Organ Donation Day, the foundation stone for ‘Garden of Life’ , a memorial, the first of its kind in the state dedicated to deceased organ donors, was officially laid down at Aster Medcity, Kochi.
The memorial will be installed on the hospital premises, in collaboration with KNOS( Kerala Network for Organ Sharing), the Governmental Nodal agency that coordinates deceased donors’ transparent program in Kerala. It will acknowledge all the deceased donors from the state, who have donated their organs and saved the lives of others. Garden of Life will display the names of all deceased donors, in the KNOS list.
This will be a solemn monument which will acknowledge the supreme gift of life, given by the deceased donors and their brave relatives, to people not known to them. It will be a serene place where the living, bystanders, patients and the public can come, contemplate and reflect on life and death. “We can draw energy from the kindness of these generous souls,” said Dr. Azad Moopen, Chairman and Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare while laying the foundation stone for the memorial. The memorial will be located on the banks of Periyar River, in a landscaped garden with sculptures, flowers and trees.
The initiative is also a poignant testimonial to organ donor families who, in their moment of profound grief, reached out to wipe away the pain and tears of other families waiting for an organ for their own loved ones who were about to die. The strength and selfless minds of these family members are incomparable. This brave and loving perspective on organ donation is an example for the rest of society to follow. Through this unique initiative, Aster intends to pay tributes to their courageous decision.
“As a leader in the healthcare sector, Aster’s initiative is truly welcoming. Additionally, a tribute like this builds public awareness of many donors’ noble gesture,” said Alisha Moopen Deputy Managing Director, Aster DM Healthcare about the memorial.
“ Donating organs is the most humanitarian act. In their deaths they saved others” said Mr Farhan Yasin, Kerala & Oman Regional Director, Aster Hospitals. “We are even planning a wind chime, the sounds of which will help in hearing what the souls are trying to tell the living!” added Dr. T.R John, Director of Medical Affairs, Aster Medcity. The monument will be inaugurated on November 27th on the occasion of National Organ Donation Day.
The significance of organ donation and transplant in saving a life is very crucial. It is a life-giving gesture for many who wait to come back to life. Society needs to take positive steps to raise awareness of organ donation.
Dr. Azad Moopen, Chairman and Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare, Alisha Moopen Deputy Managing Director, Aster DM Healthcare, Farhan Yasin, Kerala & Oman Regional Director Aster Hospitals and HoD’s of different Departments attended the ceremony.
