With an aim to spread the message among people to stay fit and healthy, Shibani Gulati, a kidney transplant survivor, will be running 21 km in Tata Mumbai Marathon for the fifth time. Gulati, who underwent a kidney transplant in 2010, was motivated to run the marathon to keep herself fit and change the thinking of people that organ transplant survivors can’t run a marathon. Speaking about her journey, Shibani Gulati (38), said, “When I wanted to train myself for the marathon, few gym trainers refused to coach me stating that physical activity will hamper my health conditions. I faced many rejections from the people for fitness. My doctors supported me and encouraged me. While slowly I started walking for two hours, in 2012, I ran my first marathon for 3 km without any practice from the fitness trainers. In all these years, I have been training on my own. Since last year, I started running with striders’ group. They have given me more confidence.’’ Gulati’s younger brother was the kidney donor. ‘’I took one year to recover. The negative emotions of the people and the refusal by fitness trainers encouraged me to give my best and complete the 21-km run. The refusal of people inspired me to work hard on my fitness.’’ Gulati, a resident of Bandra, has been constantly working on her health and fitness to participate in the marathon every year. According to her, she has dedicated four days a week for fitness and three days for yoga. She added, ‘’Any patient should start engaging themselves with any kind of sports activity which will keep them healthy. Through this platform, I am also encouraging people to donate organs. It will help to give life to the needy. I hope people take up the initiative to donate organs and make others aware of it.’’ After Mumbai marathon, Gulati is planning to run for an international marathon to spread the message of organ donation.

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