kidney transplant — The inspiring journey of 16-year-old Foteini and her mother, Panagiota Vareli, highlights the power of altruism in a remarkable kidney transplant chain that took place in Israel. This extraordinary event involved eight people—four donors and four recipients—who came together across national and religious lines to give the gift of life through organ donation.
Photo: en.philenews.com
Foteini, who has battled a rare genetic condition since she was three and a half years old, found herself in a critical situation. Her mother explained that the condition caused nephrotic syndrome, leading to the gradual failure of both kidneys. After years of unsuccessful treatments, Foteini reached end-stage kidney failure, prompting the need for a transplant.
Photo: en.philenews.com
Kidney transplant: A Search for a Compatible Donor
Initially, Foteini’s father was considered a potential donor due to his compatible blood type. However, after further testing, he was deemed unsuitable. Panagiota herself was not a match, which led them to work closely with medical professionals, including Dr. Eftychia Thodi at Nicosia General Hospital, to explore alternative options.
They embarked on a search for a donor who could participate in a “crossover transplant”. This journey took unexpected turns, but no one anticipated that it would culminate in a significant chain involving multiple donors and recipients.
Overcoming Challenges on the Path to Surgery
Before the successful transplant occurred, the family faced two postponements. The first setback happened shortly before a scheduled trip to Israel when flights were cancelled due to the onset of war in Iran. Despite the disappointment, Panagiota remained hopeful, believing that the timing was not right. “I kept saying God knows something,” she recalled. “And in the end, He certainly did, because the outcome was amazing.”
Eventually, they received the green light to travel on July 7, with the surgeries taking place six days later. The operations were a logistical feat, lasting over 12 hours and involving a team of dedicated medical staff.
The Gift of Life: A Chain of Donors and Recipients
Among the donors, a pivotal role was played by Asaf Mor, a 52-year-old altruist who volunteered to donate his kidney to Foteini. His selfless act completed the transplant chain, which linked recipients from diverse backgrounds—Jewish, Muslim, and Christian.
Asaf’s willingness to help stemmed from a personal connection, as he had a daughter the same age as Foteini. Panagiota expressed her gratitude, stating, “He’s an altruist. He didn’t expect anything in return. What Asaf did is a godly act.” The chain ultimately involved Panagiota donating her kidney to 27-year-old Hana Saaban, who had faced years of searching for a compatible donor after losing a previous transplant.
Exceptional Care in Israel
The operations took place at Schneider Hospital and Beilinson Hospital, with Panagiota praising the exceptional care they received. “The kindness and service, from the cleaner to the doctor, were exceptional,” she noted, contrasting her experience with past treatments in Cyprus and Greece.
Recovery for both Foteini and Panagiota is ongoing. While Panagiota has been discharged, Foteini remains in the hospital for monitoring and recovery. Panagiota described her daughter as a “happy child” who is progressing well despite the initial pain from surgery.
A New Family Formed Through Adversity
Reflecting on their unique experience, Panagiota shared that they have remained in contact with the other donors and recipients. “I consider them my family,” she said, expressing hope that future visits to Israel will be for joyous occasions rather than medical ones.
As Foteini and Panagiota look forward to returning home to Cyprus, they also raise awareness about the need for changes in organ donation laws. Panagiota emphasised that altruistic organ donation should be allowed in Cyprus to address the shortage of living donors and improve awareness about organ donation.
