10-month-old Baby Aalin: Saves 5 Lives after Death
A 10-month-old Kerala baby declared brain dead saved five lives after her parents made the brave decision to donate her organs.
A heartbreaking but deeply inspiring incident has come from Kerala. A 10-month-old baby girl, Alin Sherin Abraham from Mallappally, met with a serious road accident on 5 February while travelling with her mother and grandparents near Pallam in Kottayam district.
She was rushed to the hospital and admitted to the ICU, but her injuries were very severe. On 12 February, doctors declared her brain dead, which means her brain had permanently stopped working even though machines were keeping her organs functioning. In India, brain death is legally considered death.
In the middle of their unbearable grief, her parents, Arun Abraham and Sherin Ann John, made a brave and generous decision. They agreed to donate their baby’s organs so that other children could live. Their decision has touched hearts across Kerala.
Baby Alin’s kidneys, liver, heart valves and corneas were approved for donation. Her two kidneys were transported by road to help a 10-year-old child being treated at S.A.T. Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. Her liver saved the life of a six-month-old baby, while her other donated organs helped additional patients.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George expressed deep respect for the family. She said that thinking about saving other children during such a painful time showed extraordinary courage and humanity. The government also assured full support to the grieving family.
The state paid tribute to the little girl’s rare gift. Kerala Police honoured her with a guard of honour and bugle salute at St. Thomas CSI Church. Later, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan ordered state honours for her final rites, recognising the significance of the donation.
The tragedy has also started a wider discussion across the country about infant organ donation. Doctors clarified that there is no minimum age for organ donation in India, but the process is strictly regulated. For infants, only deceased donation is allowed, not live donation.
Organs can be donated in two situations — brain death, which must be confirmed by a panel of doctors through strict tests, and cardiac death, when the heart permanently stops. In both cases, parents’ consent is compulsory. Infant organ donations remain rare because the medical process is highly complex.
Even in her very short life, baby Alin helped save five people, including two children. Her story has moved many people and stands as a powerful reminder that even in moments of deep loss, acts of kindness can bring hope to others.
