(January 31, 2024) Amid the hustle and bustle of Kolkata emerges a story of resilience, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of making a difference. Meet Amey Agarwal, a youngster who has not only won over a 15-year battle with nephrotic syndrome but has also transformed his personal struggle into an inspiration for others. Amey’s commitment to raising awareness and providing assistance for those affected by nephrotic syndrome gave birth to Nephrophile – a nonprofit – which has till now helped 300 families and even earned him a Diana Award.
Amey’s journey with nephrotic syndrome, a condition causing the kidneys to leak large amounts of protein into the urine, began at a tender age. For 15 years, he battled the challenges that the condition brought with it but instead of succumbing to the adversity, he emerged stronger, driven by a deep-seated belief that every child, irrespective of their economic circumstances, deserves a chance to become an adult.
Amey Agarwal
Helping people affected by Nephrotic syndrome
In his pursuit of making a meaningful impact, the 17-year-old founded Nephrohelp, a charitable community dedicated to supporting children suffering from nephrotic syndrome. His vision goes beyond mere sympathy; it is a mission to bring about positive changes in the lives of vulnerable families grappling with the harsh realities of this condition. The heart of Nephrohelp lies in its commitment to facilitating kidney transplants and providing essential support for those in need.
Through the relentless efforts of Amey and his team, the organisation has successfully raised funds and sponsorships, enabling life-changing kidney transplants for two children. “We are more than obliged and happy to help Warisha Khan (14 yrs) and Gaurav Mukherjee (13 yrs) by taking initiative in providing them all the medical necessities under the mentorship and guidance of Dr Rajiv Sinha, Professor & HOD of Pediatric Nephrology Division and thank him for extending his support for this noble cause,” the student of St. Xavier’s Collegiate School said in a statement.
The powerful impact
Beyond transplantation support, Nephrohelp has touched the lives of over 300 families by providing essential medicines and necessities. During COVID-19 pandemic, his compassion extended further as his organisation donated masks to hospitals, ensuring the safety of frontline workers. The impact of Nephrohelp is not confined to immediate assistance as his team organised awareness campaigns and health check-up camps, spreading knowledge about nephrotic syndrome and offering preventive healthcare to communities.
His dedication and selfless service to bring about transformative change has helped him earn Diana Award 2023 – which speaks volumes about his dedication, resilience, and the positive ripple effect his work has on communities. It is his commitment to education and awareness that have played an important role in his journey as a young changemaker. Recognising the need to inform and empower, Amey co-authored a book Nephrohelp’s Guide to Nephrotic Syndrome, published in both Hindi and Bengali, to raise awareness on nephrotic syndrome. Of them, he donated over 2500 books in rural areas to not only provide valuable insights into the condition but also serve as a guide for others who may be navigating similar challenges.
Amey’s advocacy extends beyond the immediate impact of Nephrohelp as his efforts have made nephrotic syndrome visible on a broader scale, challenging societal perceptions and fostering understanding about the struggles faced by those with this condition. In a world where compassion often takes a backseat, he has become a force that transcends boundaries, making a profound difference in the lives of many. He is now committed to provide treatment to over 200 children each year, which reflects his dedication to accessible healthcare.
His vision for a world where every child has the opportunity to grow into adulthood fuels the organisation’s initiatives and inspires others to join the cause. In a society that often overlooks the struggles of those with chronic conditions, Amey proves that one person’s belief in making a difference can indeed change the world.
- Follow Amey Agarwal on LinkedIn
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