R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, MAR 4
Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years, and working really hard to make that future is a reality. Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint for this 47-year old athlete, who is two-time kidney transplant and one-time open-heart survivor hailing from Tamil Nadu.
A multi-specialty medical team from Apollo Hospitals has been helping this Chennai-based athlete and former cricketer Sumeer Kumar to fulfill his dream of actively participating in sports activities.
- Two-time kidney transplant, open-heart & multiple surgeries survivor to participate in World Transplant Games 2023
- Going extra mile, Apollo Hospitals sponsors transplant survivor’s sporting event in Australia later this month
- Former cricketer and athlete is sole representative from TN to participate in the game
Championing in bringing world-class medical facilities to last-mile, the Apollo Hospitals not to miss the chance in celebrating the heroism of transplant recipients and to showcase sustained support to patients beyond the treatment cycle announced sponsoring the journey of former patient and star sportsperson, Sumeer Kumar, to the World Transplant Games 2023 in Australia later part of this month.
The World Transplant Games is the world’s largest awareness event and sporting platform for transplant communities.
Sumeer Kumar is a professional sportsperson who has excelled in cricket, badminton and athletics. However, he has endured a two-decade-old battle with various medical conditions.
At the peak of his cricketing career, he was diagnosed with acute kidney failure. Respiratory infections while on a high-altitude training programme some years later affected his kidneys again. He has since faced multiple surgeries, critical surgeries, including open heart procedures, at Apollo Hospitals. The pandemic brought more criticality as he suffered a paralytic attack from a stroke. But with ongoing support and care of Apollo Hospitals, as well as his determination and resilience, Sumeer overcame the odds and became an inspiration to the transplant community.
Addressing reporters, Sumeer Kumar said that he would be the first two-time transplant survivor to participate in Tennis and Badminton game. He wished to play football game too, but it couldn’t happen as the game schedule clashes.
Sumeer Kumar’s wife Maryanne Manessah who was present at the press meet was the great support and inspiration as caregiver for her husband and two kids Ms Jiannah, Master Rayhan.
Sumeer Kumar, a volunteer with the Kidney Warriors Foundation and a Holistic Wellness Coach, said, “I am honoured that Apollo Hospitals has been an integral part of my journey for many years and am grateful for their immense support. This sponsorship opportunity is an impetus for me to rise to even greater heights. The grand gesture, apart from the expertise of the doctors and their human touch during the treatment programme, will remain etched in my heart. I hope that my story will inspire others like me to surge ahead and strengthen the narrative for transplant survivors.”
Dr Venkatesh Rajkumar – Senior Consultant, Nephrologist, Apollo Hospitals, said, “Apollo Hospitals is pleased to sponsor Sumeer Kumar’s journey to the World Transplant Games in Australia. We feel it is vital for us to go beyond the treatment cycle and connect with patients in a way where we can meaningfully impact their lives. Sumeer is also the sole representative at the Games from Tamil Nadu. This sponsorship effort is an opportunity for us to showcase heroes from our country on international platforms.”
Dr R K Venkatasalam, Medical Director, Apollo Hospitals said, “Sumeer Kumar is an inspiration for the transplant survivors and courageous patients like him are the ambassadors to our institution’’.
Dr. Satheesh Ramamurthy, Senior Consultant, Intervention Radiologist, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai also spoke.
The Games will see participation by 2,500 sportspersons from over 50 countries. The Gift of Life Baton, a new symbol of organ donation, will be presented to the World Transplant Games in Perth this year.
