Alin lives on: Kerala's youngest organ donor to be laid to rest with state honours

PATHANAMTHITTA: The Valumannil house at Mallappally is filled with tender memories of little Alin. Her laughter still seems to echo through the house. Her parents, Arun and Sherin, sit beside her toys and tiny clothes with heavy hearts.

Ten-month-old Alin Sherin Abraham, who was declared brain dead after a car accident in Kottayam on February 5th, gave new life to four children through organ donation. Her heart valve, liver, kidneys and eyes were donated.

“Our daughter became a source of hope for four children in her short life. Our little girl lives on in those four children. She will grow through them,” said Arun and Sherin.

Sherin, who was injured in the accident, returned home recently. It was Arun who first thought about organ donation. When he shared the idea with Sherin, she agreed wholeheartedly. Both their families also supported the decision. The organ donation process was coordinated through the government agency Kerala SOTTO (State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation). Arun said that today the whole world stands with them in loving their daughter.

The body will be kept for public viewing at 6 am at the George Mathen Hospital Chapel in Mallappally. It will then be taken home at 7 am. After prayers at the house at 2.30 pm, the funeral will be held at 3.30 pm at CSI St Thomas Church, Nedungadappally.

Will meet organ recipients

“When Alin was born on April 16, 2025, at 9.20 am, we never knew she would be with us for only ten months,” said Arun and Sherin in grief. “We leave everything in God’s hands. We thank God for choosing us to be Alin’s parents.” The couple said they plan to meet the children who received Alin’s organs after the funeral.

Surgeries successful
Ten-year-old Shreya, who received Alin’s kidney, and six-month-old Dhriya, who received her liver, are recovering well. Hospital authorities said the kidney transplant at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College and the liver transplant at KIMS Hospital were successful. Both children are from Neyyattinkara in Thiruvananthapuram. The heart valve has been processed and preserved at Sree Chitra Institute and will be given to a suitable patient later. The corneas are being preserved at the eye bank at Amrita Hospital in Kochi.

Alin to be laid to rest with official state honours
Alin Sherin Abraham, who created history through organ donation, will be laid to rest with official state honours. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced that the state government will accord official honours at her funeral.

Little Alin will continue to live on, not only in the memories of her loved ones, but also in the hearts of crores of people. Her parents Arun and Sherin, who chose to donate her organs, are shining examples of humanity.
- Mohanlal

Even in deep sorrow, the parents’ decision to donate their child’s organs is noble and sets a great example for Kerala society. I join the family and the people of the state in mourning this loss.
- Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan

Deeply moved by the noble decision of Shri Arun Abraham and Smt. Sherin John, who chose to donate the organs of their little angel Alin Sherin Abraham, after she tragically lost her life in an accident. May Alin’s soul rest in peace. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family
- Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar