Divya can neither talk nor walk. But her smile can light up any dull day. It’s her lively nature that keeps me going. Her never-give-up attitude keeps my faith in her treatment strong. She tries each day to get out of bed and stand on her own. Although she fails, isn’t it the attempt that counts? I know life can be very different for her if her treatment costs 3 Lakhs continues. That is why I have started this fundraiser- to give my sweet little girl the chance to lead a better life.
Divya’s sudden struggle to walk and speak.
Divya was born a healthy baby. She would cry, crawl around the house and make tiny attempts to stand when she neared the age of 1. I still remember the day she took a few steps on her own. My wife and I were thrilled to experience our daughter’s ‘firsts’. A few days after her first steps, she said her first-word “Mamma!” I couldn’t wait for her to say, Pappa! After I returned from work, I would rock her in my arms and say, “Divya, say Pappa!” After what seemed like a billionth attempt, my sweet girl called me Pappa. The reason I’m sharing this fond memory with you today, is that these 2 precious words are the only thing I last heard my daughter say.
27th December 2017 was the last time Divya stood on her own and called out to my wife and me. On the 28th, while her mother fed her, Divya lost control of her hands and legs. She couldn’t lift any of her limbs. She fell almost immediately if she made an effort to stand. I knew something was just not right. I picked her up and rushed to my nearest doctor. “She was walking and saying mummy pappa just yesterday. How could she lose her ability to speak or stand, all of a sudden?” I cried to the doctor while he examined my girl. Unfortunately, he couldn’t make a proper diagnosis. By now, I started panicking more than I had earlier. After taking her to multiple doctors, I was asked to get scans done. “Is something terribly wrong with my girl?” I asked. I was told not to worry and to get the scans done as soon as possible. But how should a parent not worry in such a crisis?
Dealing with the deadly diagnosis and the struggle to get Divya treated.
“Your daughter suffers from Encephalopathy - a brain disease,” said the doctor as he stared at the reports. I could tell he too was shocked! I, on the other hand, was numb. I didn’t know what the illness meant but looking at the doctor’s expressions, I knew it was something serious. I was briefed about how rare my daughter’s illness was and how he would like to proceed with her treatment. Hearing the treatment plan flooded my mind with multiple questions. “How will I pay for this treatment? Will my girl ever walk on her own? Will she ever speak? How will I give her an education?” The thoughts and questions were endless. I held Divya close to my chest and made a promise to myself that I would do everything in my power to get her the treatment.
It has been more than a year and Divya is showing slow signs of improvement. With the help of a walker and my support, she can take a few steps. She tries to say the words, Mamma and Pappa. She doesn’t always succeed but her effort is what matters at this moment. My girl will need continuous medical management which costs Rs 60,000 per year to recover.
After spending over a lakh on her diagnosis and initial treatment, I, an auto-rickshaw driver, cannot arrange this amount. So far, I have taken help from every known person and even reached out to local authorities for financial aid. I have no resources left anymore, except for you. The doctors at Christian Medical College, Vellore have told me not to lose faith. It will take time for Divya to speak and walk on her own. It is possible only if there are no interruptions.
The delay in arranging the required funds will largely affect the progress Divya has made so far. Please, I request each and every one of you to make a donation to this fundraiser. I understand times are tough and not everyone can contribute. But even sharing it on social media can help in raising the required funds. Your love and support is all I am asking for.
Dear Donors,
Your prayers and good wishes have given Divya's father new confidence. He is now more positive about sharing Divya's story and reaching out to those who can help him take her to CMC, Vellore for treatment. He has got an appointment for January 28, 2021, for Divya at CMC.
Right now, Divya is at home, under medication.
Please keep praying for Divya to get the best treatment and a resolution for her problem when she visits Vellore.
#2 (04 Jan, 2021)Dear Donors,
Your prayers and good wishes have given Divya's father new confidence. He is now more positive about sharing Divya's story and reaching out to those who can help him take her to CMC, Vellore for treatment. He has got an appointment for January 28, 2021, for Divya at CMC.
Right now, Divya is at home, under medication.
Please keep praying for Divya to get the best treatment and a resolution for her problem when she visits Vellore.
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