KIDNEY DONOR CHALLENGES ENDURANCE, COMPLETES GRUELING IRONMAN 70.3 TRIATHLON WITH INDOMITABLE SPIRIT
In a stunning testament to human resilience and unwavering determination, Monika Srivastava, a kidney donor living with a single kidney, achieved a triumphant feat by successfully completing the Ironman 70.3 event held in Turkey in October 2023.
Monika's story is one of selflessness and unwavering commitment. Just a few years ago, she selflessly donated a kidney to save a life and embarked on a challenging recovery period. Although her post-operative phase took approximately four weeks, she didn't require any long-term medication. Regular kidney function checks were the only reminder of her altruistic act.
Monika's passion for running was the foundation of her incredible journey. She had already made a name for herself in the running community with impressive half-marathon times. However, the prospect of conquering the Ironman 70.3, a grueling triathlon event that combines swimming 1.9km, cycling 90km, and running 21.1km, was a monumental challenge. The Ironman 70.3 was a whole new beast to tame.
Her journey was beset with difficulties from the start. Swimming, a discipline she had limited experience with, presented a daunting hurdle. Cycling, too, wasn't initially comfortable for her. But Monika's unwavering spirit, coupled with her burning desire to embrace new challenges, pushed her forward.
Balancing a demanding job, family responsibilities, and caring for her husband and children, including cooking and ensuring their studies, Monika incredibly found two hours each day for training. Her dedication and tenacity paid off, as she crossed the finish line of the Ironman 70.3, comprising a 1.9km swim, 90km bike ride, and a 21.1km run, non-stop, in a commendable 8 hours and 19 minutes, making her country and people proud.
Monika Srivastava exemplifies the power of the human spirit and the boundless potential within us. Her remarkable journey serves as an inspiring reminder that, with determination and perseverance, individuals can surmount any obstacle, regardless of their circumstances. Her story is evidence to courage, resilience, and the capacity to live life to the fullest, all while proudly carrying the banner of an organ donor.
Monika wishes to debunk a few myths about living kidney donors.
Myth 1: A living donor can no longer do sports.
Reality: “I’ve been doing training in endurance sports for quite a while now. And I only started after my donation,” says living kidney donor Monika Srivastava. “I’m able to keep up with everyone that I train with. My donation hasn’t stopped me.”
Myth 2: A living kidney donor should not get pregnant after donation.
Reality: “I had one more child after my donation,” says Monika. “And I didn’t have any complications during my pregnancy. I had a healthy, full-term pregnancy.”
She’s happy to report that she is also living her best life. “In terms of my own quality of life, it has not changed. My checkups are perfect,” she says. “I wouldn’t have gone through with it if it meant I couldn’t do the things that I love.”
Monika goes on with saying, “Do not let misinformation prevent you from giving the gift of life”.
Are you considering becoming a living kidney donor but are concerned about what you may have heard or read? Monika has some advice for you: “Stay open minded, be curious, ask questions, there are things people have told us, and a lot of them are myths. Talk to your doctors, they will surely clear your doubts for you.”
Authored by - Dr.Ashwinikumar Aiyangar, Nephrologist & Transplant Physician, IRONMAN 140.6 triathlon finisher, fitness enthusiast.
akashwin@gmail to get in touch with the author
