Heart Transplant Survivor Runs Mumbai Marathon

In a remarkable display of resilience, Shagun Shah, a 36-year-old father of two, is participating in the Tata Mumbai Marathon, a little over a year after receiving a heart transplant. Diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy in 2021, Shah's heart condition worsened significantly in November 2024, necessitating an urgent transplant. He received a donor heart just ten days after registering, with the surgery taking place on November 25, 2024.

During his recovery, Shah was inspired by a nurse's prediction that he could run a marathon within a year. Embracing this as a challenge, he began cardiac rehabilitation in January 2025 and has since completed numerous long training runs. His medical team at Sir H N Reliance Hospital has supported his ambitious goal, ensuring his training was gradual and safe, focusing on building endurance through strength training and cardiovascular conditioning.

Shah's run is more than a personal achievement; it's a powerful statement about life after organ donation. Organizers and recipients alike emphasize that transplant recipients can lead robust, active lives. Jaya Jairam of MOHAN Foundation highlighted that Shah's journey underscores the need for fair health insurance for transplant recipients, which is often denied.