The Tale of a Survivor | Ms. Hemalatha Rao | TEDxJainUniversity

Early Life and Health Challenges

• Hemalatha Rao was born in Bangalore on December 19, 1974. (1m17s)
• At the age of three, she was diagnosed with PDA (patent ductus arteriosis), a hole in the heart, and underwent surgery to correct it. (1m27s)
• In 1990 or 1992, Rao was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension and Eisenmenger's syndrome, conditions caused by the hole in her heart. (3m50s)

Further Health Complications

• In 2000, Rao experienced a pulmonary embolism while at a team outing and was subsequently put on oxygen. (6m40s)
• After experiencing a positive period in her life, her husband was diagnosed with delayed onset spinal tuberculosis, leading to paralysis. (11m34s)
• After returning to India, she began experiencing a loss of sensation in her left pinky finger, which later spread to her lip and other body parts. (12m45s)
• Doctors diagnosed her with autoimmune peripheral neuropathy, a condition where her immune system attacks her peripheral nerves, impacting her balance, sensation, and coordination. (13m22s)

Overcoming Adversity

• Hemalatha Rao continued giving motivational talks after facing health adversities, even when medication for neuropathy began to negatively impact her heart. (15m17s)
• Rao underwent a successful heart and double-lung transplant in 2021, with organs from a young donor in Jaipur. (18m38s)
• Following a post-transplant complication involving blood clots, Rao had a second surgery, recovered well, and returned to work as a business analyst and technical writer. (20m29s)

Life Lessons and Advice

• Hemalatha Rao believes that gratitude and love can lead to happiness. (22m18s)
• When facing adversity, Rao uses the phrase "so what" to minimize complications. (22m32s)
• Rao encourages people to take care of their health and enjoy life. (23m0s)