My name is Meena. On 11 March 2006, I was blessed with the ultimate gift of a donor liver after having only been listed for transplant for a month. This was after having endured primary sclerosing cholangitis and autoimmune hepatitis for 9 years.

To say that the transplant has changed my life is an understatement. This is not a second chance, it is genuinely a new life - one that I am immeasurably grateful for and will treasure for however long it lasts. My family and I cannot possibly express our eternal gratitude to the extremely dedicated team of transplant professionals who we feel are definitely 'doing God's work' through the preservation of life.

My heartfelt gratitude to the donor and her family cannot possibly be expressed through mere words. Suffice it to say that I know there must be a special place in Heaven for people like you. I am now totally committed to the cause of organ donation and do as much as I can, both in my personal and professional capacity, to create awareness of organ donation and to encourage people to register as organ donors. I am also committed to providing whatever support I can to anyone affected by transplantation.

In conclusion, some food for thought: Don't take your organs to Heaven. Heaven knows we need them here.

About three years ago, my aunt was in a serious car accident. All of her major organs were damaged, and the only way to save her life was a transplant but no donor could be found.

After being in a coma for thirty days she died, leaving behind her two young children. It made me realise the seriousness of the donor shortage in our country and also the entire world.

I began reading everything I could find on the subject, wanting to know more. Finally, I asked my parents to allow me to become a donor. They asked me to think about my decision but I knew it was what I wanted to do. I sat down with my mother one day and gave her all the reasons I wanted to become a donor.

She finally allowed me to register as a donor, and she registered too. I decided to tell my story because I want to let everyone know that no matter who you are YOU can make the difference!