Kochi, 16th April, 2025: Dr. Mathew Jacob was all smiles as he gently guided baby Shikha’s tiny fingers over the rice spread on a bronze plate, marking her Vidyarambham (first letter ceremony). As she traced her first letters, little did she know that the very man guiding her hand was the same one who, two years ago, had held it while giving her a second chance at life through a life-saving liver transplant. What unfolded at Aster Medcity was far more than a ritual, it was a heartfelt celebration of a mother’s hope, a grandmother’s selfless sacrifice, a father’s silent strength, and medical brilliance that brought it all together.

Baby Shikha Anillal, the second daughter of CRPF Jawan Anilal and Vineetha SP from Kayamkulam, began showing alarming signs just a month after her birth, yellowing of the eyes, pale stools, and abdominal swelling. The worried parents rushed her to SAT Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, where she was diagnosed with Biliary Atresia, a rare and life-threatening liver disorder in infants. At only 69 days old, she underwent the Kasai procedure in an attempt to restore bile flow.

Though the surgery offered a temporary reprieve, her condition worsened over time due to recurring episodes of cholangitis. Seeking the best possible care, her family arrived at Aster Medcity, Kochi, where her case was attended by Dr. Geetha Mammayil, Pediatric Medical Gastroenterologist. Recognizing the complexities of Shikha’s illness, Dr. Geetha immediately referred her to Dr. Mathew Jacob, Senior Consultant, –Hepato Pancreato Biliary & Abdominal Multi Organ Transplant. After a comprehensive evaluation, the team led by Dr, Mathew Jacob concluded that a liver transplant was the only hope for Shikha’s survival.

Initially, Shikha’s mother volunteered; however, her pre-transplant assessment revealed medical limitations preventing her from proceeding as a donor. This was when her maternal grandmother, Mrs. Prasanna Kumari, volunteered to donate a part of her liver—even though she had an incompatible blood type. With immense resolve and love, she underwent exhaustive testing and was ultimately found fit to donate.

On May 20, 2023, at just nine months old, Shikha underwent a live donor liver transplant at Aster Medcity. Shikha’s post-operative course was smooth, and she was discharged after 23 days, ready to embrace life anew.

“This is truly a blessed moment. It’s a reminder of what science and love, can achieve in transforming lives,” said Dr. Mathew Jacob, Senior Consultant –Hepato Pancreato Biliary & Abdominal Multi Organ Transplant.

The family living in Coimbatore came down to Aster Medcity for baby Shikha’s Vidyarambham ceremony as it their wish to have their daughter’s learning journey ceremonially begin under the guidance of Dr. Mathew Jacob.

Following the Vidyarambham, Dr. Mathew Jacob presented Gurudakshina to Shikha, marking the significance of the moment for both doctor and patient. Interestingly, the ceremony coincided with the birthday of Mrs. Prasanna Kumari, Shikha’s maternal grandmother and liver donor, and a small celebration was held at the Aster Medcity campus to mark the occasion, including a cake-cutting in her honour.

Aster Medcity CEO Dr. Nalanda Jayadev and Dr. Mathew Jacob also handed over ‘Vishu Kaineettam’-a traditional token of blessing and prosperity, to Shikha and her sister as part of the New Year custom.

The event was attended by members of Shikha’s family, along with doctors, nurses, and other staff of Aster Medcity.