'My mother still lives through others': Daughter of Mumbai woman who saved 10 lives through organ donation will melt your heart

A Mumbai woman's organ donation gave 10 people a second chance at life, turning a family's loss into a powerful story of hope and humanity.

When a loved one passes away, they often leave behind silence, grief, and memories. But some people continue to live on through the lives they touch, even after death. One such inspiring story is that of Vishakha Parekh from Mumbai, whose final act of kindness gave a second chance at life to 10 people.

Almost a year ago, on August 10, 2025, Vishakha Parekh took her last breath at Oscar Hospital in Goregaon. While her family was devastated by the sudden loss, they made a courageous decision that transformed the lives of many others.

Mumbai woman saves 10 lives through organ donation

In an exclusive conversation with Zee Media, the 32-year-old daughter Riddhi Parekh, told that her mother, Vishakha had no serious ailments at the time of her death. She had suffered a minor leg injury, and when the pain increased, doctors conducted tests and a sonography. The reports revealed blocked veins in her leg.

But, on treatment, Vishakha suddenly got a massive bleeding in the brain and was declared brain dead. The family were devastated by the news. None of them imagined that a seemingly minor leg injury would lead to such a tragic outcome within hours.

Riddhi's promise became her strength

Riddhi remembers that she had registered herself as an organ donor two years ago. That was the biggest thing that her mother had been proud of on her. Riddhi says, "Two years ago, I registered as an organ donor, and my mother was very proud of me. Remembering that gave me the strength to donate her organs. Today, she continues to live through others."

"It took me a long time to become an organ donor." Vishakha had been admitted in a hospital that did not have the facility for organ retrieval. This seemed to be a lengthy and complicated procedure, and the family was afraid.

With the support of MOHAN Foundation and ZTCC Mumbai, Vishakha was shifted to Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital. Her kidneys, liver, corneas, and bones were successfully donated, giving 10 people a second chance at life.

Many families are concerned about what family members or society may think and feel about them. The Parekh family faced similar concerns but chose to focus on saving lives.

When asked if she ever regretted the decision, Riddhi said emphatically, "Never. Every day, we feel proud that my mother continues to live through others. There is no greater comfort than knowing that she is helping people even after her death."

Breaking myths around organ donation

Many times people refrain from the organ donation option due to lack of awareness and wrong religious perceptions, Riddhi feels. "Some people think that all organs must remain intact after death or God will be unhappy. But helping someone live can never anger God. Saving lives is one of the greatest acts of kindness," she says.

Zee Media's Appeal: Organ donation is the greatest donation

There is still a major lack of awareness about organ donation in our society. Every year, millions of people in India lose their lives because they do not receive organs on time. The story of Vishakha Parekh and her family teaches us that even in moments of deep grief, one decision can bring hope and light into someone else's life.

Become a part of Zee Media's awareness campaign, "Zindagi Ke Baad Bhi", help remove the myths surrounding organ donation, and take the pledge to donate organs. Your one decision can give a new life to someone in need. Zee Media salutes the inspiring spirit of Raj Gandhi and his entire family.

6 Important facts about organ donation

1. Who can donate organs?

Organ donation can happen in two ways:

Living Donation A person can donate a kidney or a part of the liver while alive.
Deceased Donation After a person is declared brain dead, organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, eyes, and lungs can be donated.

The medical team carefully examines and decides which organs are suitable for donation.

2. How can you donate organs?

If a loved one is declared brain dead by doctors, the family can immediately inform the hospital staff about their wish to donate organs or contact the government helpline at 1800-11-4770.

The hospital will ask the family to sign a consent form. There is no charge for organ donation, and the family is not required to pay for the donation procedure.

The organ retrieval process is carried out with complete respect and dignity. No visible scars or deformities remain on the body, and after the procedure, the body is respectfully handed back to the family for final rites.

3. Where can you register for organ donation?

You can register for organ donation and get your Donor Card by visiting the official NOTTO website: notto.mohfw.gov.in.

Apart from NOTTO, you can also register through organizations like MOHAN Foundation and Organ India by filling out their online forms.

4. How to fill the form on the NOTTO website?

Visit notto.mohfw.gov.in and click on the "Register for Organ Donation" option on the homepage.
Fill in your name, date of birth, gender, mobile number, email ID, and address.
Select your blood group.
Choose the organs you wish to donate. You can select "All Organs" or choose specific organs such as eyes or kidneys.
Enter the names and contact details of two witnesses or family members.
Verify your mobile number through the OTP received.
Once submitted, your Organ Donor Card will be generated, which you can download and keep safely.

5. Is there any fee for registration?

No, registering for organ donation is completely free of cost.

After registration, it is very important to inform your family about your decision because their final consent is legally required after your death.

6. What is a donor card?

A Donor Card is an identification card issued after you pledge to donate your organs after death. It reflects your wish to become an organ donor.

However, organ donation can only take place after the final written consent of your family members.

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Useful facts about organ donation

Organ donation consists of either making a living donor donation (such as a kidney, lobe of liver, etc.) or a donation after a person is declared brain dead.
The families should alert the doctors right away if they so wish, to donate organs after their loved one has been declared brain dead.
There is no body mutilation involved in organ donation and there is no alteration in the normal worship.
People may sign up to be organ donors via the nationwide organ donation registry.
Donors can indicate either the donation of all organs or only some of the organs when signing up.
Even if a person has a donor card, final written consent from the family is required after death.

As Vishakha Parekh's story shows, organ donation is not just a medical procedure, it is a gift of hope, life, and humanity that continues long after a person is gone.