Harleen (Leena) Sandhu

Type of Donation:       kidney recipient

Age and Location:      Age 51 – East Windsor, NJ

Date of Transplant:           11/09/2015

Sponsor:                      Honored by Sharing Network Foundation

HARLEEN’S STORY

Harleen (Leena) Sandhu grew up in Central New Jersey after immigrating from India with her parents when she was a year old. At age 16, while a sophomore at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School, she was diagnosed with lupus, an autoimmune disease that attacks the body’s healthy tissue. During her time in college at Rutgers University, Leena’s condition worsened. Ultimately, her kidneys failed, and she started dialysis.

For five years, while waiting for a transplant, Leena went through the struggles involved with dialysis, and was also diagnosed with thyroid cancer. She registered at a transplant center in New Jersey, where she was educated on the Living Donation process, an option unfamiliar to her and her family. Her family was immediately evaluated, and her mother was a good match.

Leena had her first kidney transplant in 1997. For the next 18 years, her health and energy were fully restored thanks to her mother’s kidney. At 27, she was excited to start her first job post college at the American Red Cross, and then settled into a career in Medical Device Product Management. As an avid traveler, she enjoyed the freedom to explore countries across the world without the restrictions of a dialysis machine.

Unfortunately, in 2015, the transplanted kidney failed, and Leena was, once again, placed on dialysis. Four months later, Leena was matched to a deceased organ donor and underwent a second successful transplant, ironically with the same surgeon who performed her first transplant 18 years prior.

Organ donation through a living and deceased donor has given Leena a second chance at life twice. Leena has now trekked to 30 countries and visited 41 states, enjoys gardening, photography, and the outdoors. She also got married in 2018.

During all of her adventures and experiences, Leena is forever mindful of the selfless decisions made by her mother and her organ donor. Leena volunteers with NJ Sharing Network and is excited to be part of the 2023 Rose Parade.