Defying Limits: Sneha’s Journey Beyond Kidney Disease

Trekking My Way to Health

Diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome as a child, meant that I could not afford to take for granted even simple things like playing with other kids in the sandpits, shaking hands with my classmates, or even just being able to go to school regularly.

However, I was fortunate that my parents found the right school for me where my Principal understood my condition, and so did my classmates who were helpful and used to remind me to even take my medicines. My parents spared no effort to make me feel comfortable, and always stayed strong in front of me. But as I grew up, I understood their pain and realised it had not been easy for them to deal with my condition. They, along with my extended family and friends were the source of my strength and support during my journey with dialysis and transplant.

A passion for trekking

I believe that some sort of physical activity is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. I regularly engage in Crossfit workouts, kickboxing and badminton to stay fit. Once I had gone on a holiday with friends to Manali just before my second transplant. We went up a mountain path, not realizing it was actually a trek. In the midst of trekkers who were on horseback and healthy people who had trouble breathing in the high altitude, I felt accepted without being judged about my status as a kidney transplant recipient. Mountains have always fascinated me, and after this trek, I found a new passion in life!

Following my second transplant, after a few small treks, and having cleared the Everest Base Camp trek, I felt challenged enough to finally attempt the 11,150 ft altitude Chadar trek. The fascinating aspect of this trek is the walk on a frozen glass-like river with towering mountains on either side. The temperatures here drop down to -30 degrees at night, making the conditions extremely challenging, and even terrifying.

Since I was not allowed to take high altitude medication along with my regular medicines, my oxygen levels were checked every hour, which, on a normal course, is done two or three times a day. My requirement of greater water intake at higher altitudes was taken care of by my Sherpa who ensured availability of boiled water or bottled water, or the use of my self-filtering water bottle.

My accomplishment is proof that anyone who has had a kidney transplant can achieve whatever he/she wants. The trek has been recorded by the Asia Book of Records and India Book of Records. I have very recently also completed the Kashmir Great Lakes trek.

I have completed my MBA with a double major in marketing and business law. During this entire journey, I realised that food was something that gave me instant joy. And it was during my dialysis routine prior to my second transplant that I founded Kosem, a cloud kitchen and beverage partner company that does events for people who need beverages.

Besides, I also have a full-time job in brand management. I have always been upfront and honest about my kidney disease wherever I work.

Living with kidney disease is a challenge, especially when people around you interact every day have no idea about the disease or its special requirements. I have been fortunate to be given equal opportunities and have compassionate people around me throughout my journey.

Sneha Raju

• On dialysis since age three

• First transplant in 1999

• Four months on dialysis following graft failure

• Second transplant in 2013