Hyderabad’s Sneha Becomes First Two-Time Kidney Transplant Recipient to Reach Antarctica

Hyderabad: Sneha B. Raju of Hyderabad has become the first person in the world with two kidney transplants to land on the interior of the icy Antarctic, camp overnight on the continent and cross the Antarctic circle.

Raju completed her Antarctic expedition between December and 17 and 28 last, something that tests even the most experienced explorers. For Raju, the challenge carried an added layer of medical risk that demanded years of preparation, careful monitoring and constant restraint.

The expedition followed established Antarctic expedition standards and included interior landings, overnight camping and zodiac travel under extreme conditions.

Preparation for the journey, Raju, 34, told Deccan Chronicle began long before Antarctica came into view. “I was seeing my doctor once in two to three months. Antarctica was discussed very specifically because the conditions there are much harsher than most treks,” Raju said.

Her medical team cleared her only after being convinced that she was capable of handling prolonged cold, isolation and physical stress. “They saw that my body was well prepared for Antarctica,” she said.

The most demanding phase of the expedition came during the crossing of the Drake Passage, regarded as one of the toughest and most unpredictable sea routes in the world. “That was the most surprising part for me. I had never experienced sea sickness or motion sickness before but this passage challenged me,” she said.

The rough seas created an unexpected complication for a transplant recipient who depends on strict medication schedules. “For almost 48 hours, I struggled to swallow my immunosuppressants. I threw up a lot,” she said, adding that retaining the medication became difficult as the ship battled heavy movement. “That crossing really tested my ability.”

The expedition began from Ushuaia, dubbed the ‘End of the World’, in Argentina on December 17, crossing the Drake Passage — between Cape Horn, the southern tip of South America and the islands of the icy continent — before reaching the Antarctic Peninsula.

The first landing took place on December 19, at Barrientos Island, followed by an official continental landing at Portal Point. Raju said she camped overnight on the Antarctic continent at Portal Point under continuous daylight. After crossing the Antarctic Circle, she set foot on Detaille Island, marking one of the defining moments of the expedition.

Given her medical history, additional precautions were built into the journey. Raju tied up with a helicopter expedition crew on standby to ensure extra layers of care and emergency preparedness. “We took extra steps because of my condition,” she said, noting that planning and coordination helped make the expedition possible.

Once across the Drake Passage, the experience transformed. Antarctica was in peak summer, bringing the phenomenon of the midnight sun. “There was no real night, it took us at least a couple of days to get used to no darkness,” Raju said.

Raju’s interest in trekking began years ago in Manali, during a visit to Rohtang Pass. After falling off a horse and being too frightened to get back on, she chose to walk uphill for the remainder of the route. “Later, I was told it was a very difficult trek uphill,” she said.

That moment stayed with her. “That’s when I realised that while many people judge my physical abilities, the mountains didn’t. I realised I actually thrive there,” she said. What began as tentative treks evolved into high-altitude expeditions across the country, including challenging routes such as the Chadar Trek, where she became the first two-time kidney transplant recipient recognised by record bodies in India and Asia.

Raju works as deputy head of corporate communications at NCC Ltd in the city, while also advocating for organ donation and inclusion. Her life and experiences are documented in the book ‘Kidney Warriors, Edition 2’ by Vasundhara Raghavan. Raju said her journey is not about defying medicine but respecting it. “Preparation made all the difference. This was about knowing my body, trusting my doctors and taking every step carefully.”