The hope of organ donation: Marilyn Rampersad battles for a triple-organ donation

FOR the past five years Marilyn Rampersad, who is in need of a triple organ transplant, has lived with the hope that she would find a donor.

Rampersad, 37, of Cape Town, who was diagnosed with pulmonary artery hypertension, eisenmenger syndrome, atrial septal defect, and congenital heart disease, requires a heart and bilateral lung transplant.

She said at age 29, while pregnant with her second child, she experienced difficulty in breathing. 

Rampersad, who hails from Port Shepstone, said she initially attributed it to having a high-risk pregnancy. 

“However, after the birth of my son, while laying in bed, I suddenly experienced immense pain in my chest. I did not think much of it, but decided to get checked at our family doctor. She showed concern and said I looked like I was having a heart attack and immediately sent me to a local hospital. 

“However, I decided to take a letter from the hospital and go to Durban to see my cousin, who is a general practitioner. I thought who better than someone I considered as my older brother to tell me if what I was hearing was actually true. 

“He confirmed everything and was also alarmed by my ECG report, which looked like I was having a heart attack. He did a few tests and referred me to King George VIII Hospital.I was later referred to Albert Luthuli Central Hospital where I was initially diagnosed with pulmonary embolism. It was a stressful time as I spent six months driving between Durban and Port Shepstone, while having a toddler and newborn at home,” she said. 

Rampersad said her diagnosis changed over time. 

“I went from being diagnosed with pulmonary embolism to later finding out it was more serious. I was diagnosed with pulmonary artery hypertension, which is a type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart. I was told I needed to be on oxygen at all times. However, the pain in my chest worsened. 

“About two years later, I was seen in the cardiology department and was diagnosed with having a large arterial septal defect, which was said to have arisen when I was born. The arteries and veins are supposed to close a few days after birth. However, in my case the upper arteries were still open. I stayed in the hospital for a month and underwent various tests,” she said. 

The mother of two boys, aged 12 and 10, said she and her husband, Dinesh, later met with the head of the cardiology department and were informed she needed a transplant.

“We were told my condition was serious. I required a three organ transplant and without it, I didn't have much time. However, it was not possible as the government health sector at the time only financially catered for a single organ transplant. This was big and shocking news. 

“We did not know how to handle it or how our families would. We also did not have the money to have the transplants done through the private health sector. However, we knew we needed to find a way and that we were not giving up no matter what the doctors told us. We had our babies waiting for us, giving up was not an option,” she said. 

Rampersad said they began raising funds. 

“Since the only option was the private health sector, we spoke to our families and decided to try and raise funds. We had articles published in our local newspaper. I wrote letters to people who I found online having the same illness, as well as businesses and organisations to see if they would be willing to help me. 

“I also made videos talking about my condition, which was shared online. I eventually managed to secure an appointment with a transplant specialist at a private hospital in Durban. He told usthe cost of a heart alone would be around R750 000 and medication would cost about R50 000 per month. 

“It was a big shock but I still believed nothing was impossible with God. A video I shared on social media reached a woman in Cape Town, who was fighting a similar battle. She was willing to help me take a letter and a video to a symposium that was being held at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town. This was the best news. She also helped me get in touch with the head pulmonologist at the hospital,” she said. 

Rampersad said she was put on the waiting list in February 2020. 

“Due to my rare blood type, RH-O-negative, getting a donor would be a miracle. However, getting a donor for both a heart and double lung transplant would be a greater miracle due to the lack of registered donors in South Africa.”

Rampersad, a high school teacher and tutor, said she remained strong due to her faith and strong support structure. 

“Without my faith and trust in God, I don’t think I would have made it this far. I was told I had six months to live, but I am still here. It is also through my strong support system such as my husband, children, and a host of family and friends who push me to keep going through every situation I am faced with. I am also a fighter. Everyone who knows me will say there is nothing that can keep me down. I will persevere through anything. 

“Undergoing a transplant will afford me a better quality of life. I will be able to live it to the fullest. At the moment, I live each day as if it were my last. But like every person who is waiting for a transplant, I hope to have a stress-free and relaxed life, especially with my family and not having to worry about ‘when is my last day’,” she said. 

She encouraged others to become donors.

Over the years, she has embarked on various campaigns creating awareness about organ donation and encouraging people to register. 

“I have come to realise that organ donation can be a powerful way to give others a second chance at life. I wish more people would consider signing up to become organ donors. It is a selfless act that gives others a second chance at life. Let us come together to make a difference.”

THE POST