In a landmark achievement that redefines human endurance and medical resilience Sneha Raju has become the world’s first two-time kidney transplant recipient to set foot on Antarctica, camp overnight on the Antarctic continent and cross the Antarctic circle. The historic expedition took place from 17 to 28 December 2025 and was conducted in full compliance with established Antarctic expedition standards. 

This is the first time that an individual has successfully accomplished the typical Antarctic expedition after undergoing two kidney transplant surgeries. The expedition began from Ushuaia on 17 December 2025, crossing the challenging Drake Passage before reaching the Antarctic Peninsula. This achievement of Sneha Raju, stands as a powerful testament to what is possible through, perseverance and determination despite facing medical challenges. 

Sneha Raju works with Nagarjuna Constructions Company(NCC)  Limited as Deputy Head (Corporate Communications) in Hyderabad. Diagnosed with chronic kidney disease at the age of three, she underwent her first kidney transplant at seven, and a second transplant in 2013 after complications from cerebral malaria damaged the first graft. From high-altitude expeditions such as Kala Patthar and Kashmir Great Lakes to extreme Chadar Trek—where she became the first two-time kidney transplant recipient recognised by the India and Asia Book of Records—Sneha consistently redefined physical and perceived limits. 

Beyond her expeditions, Sneha Raju is a committed advocate for organ donation and inclusion. Her life experiences and journey of resilience are beautifully captured in the book “Kidney Warriors, Edition 2: Stories of Lived Experiences Pave the Future of Social Enterprise in India” by Vasundhara Raghavan, where her story stands as a powerful narrative of hope, determination and lived possibility.