Delhi boy with a rare liver disease scores 88% in class 10 boards

Here’s looking at the stupendous fighting spirit of 15-year-old Mrityunjay Pandey, who fought against severe health concerns to score well in his Class 10 boards.

Diagnosed with a rare medical condition called biliary atresia when three months old; a liver transplant done at 14 — this and many more health issues form the background of the arduous journey of Delhi boy Mrityunjay Pandey, who scored a whopping 88% in the recently announced CBSE class 10 results.

Mrityunjay Pandey underwent a transplant surgery just before he joined class 10. What followed was a string of health issues over the year, but his indomitable spirit helped him to score well in Class 10 boards.

“Mrityunjay was born with biliary atresia — a disease seen in one among 12,000 babies. In this condition, there is no connection between the liver and the intestine and the bile produced in the liver can’t go out, thereby damaging the liver,” says Dr Anupam Sibal, paediatric gastroenterologist, who has been Mrityunjay’s doctor for the past 16 years. Mrityunjay’s grit and determination is remarkable, feels Sibal.

Mrityunjay Pandey with Dr Anupam Sibal(left) and Neerav Goyal(right).

“When he came to us, he was about two months old, suffering from jaundice. The initial surgery was performed successfully but after 10-12 years, he developed jaundice [again], which prompted us to decide on a transplant,” adds Sibal. Before the session began for class 10, Mrityunjay underwent the surgery, where his mother donated a part of her liver to him. The surgery was performed by Delhi-based liver transplant surgeon, Neerav Goyal.

“I was not well most of the time, and went to school only for a month. I barely got to study. Even after the exams, I wasn’t feeling well. I would study on my own and take home classes,” says Mrityunjay.

Ecstatic at her son’s success, Vijaya Pandey says, “He could only attend school in the last academic session for 30-35 days. [After the surgery] the biggest challenge for him was the bile duct getting contracted. Because of this so many symptoms emerged, too. There were bad phases, but he really took care of himself.”

Mrityunjay says the fact that he was surrounded by well-wishers and friends, who continuously encouraged him, bolstered his courage. “Before taking the board exams, I was really scared. My friends and family helped me sail through this period. I really like to play, but couldn’t do that as well. So, my father and I would play on the Play station,” says this 16-year-old who, aims to be an engineer.

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