|
|
Chetan
is a 14-year-old boy who has been crippled from polio
since he was two. His legs are so atrophied that he cannot
walk, so he gets around by using his hands. He has an
older sister and two younger brothers. His father has
died from AIDS, and his mother has AIDS. The family lives
in a rented house in the mother's native village of Borpada.
The landlord had threatened eviction because the mother's
illness has made her unable to work and earn money to
support the family. She also cannot afford the cost of
keeping her children in school.
Prasad Chikitsa learned about
Chetan and his family when his mother came to the Mobile
Hospital for vitamins, milk and protein supplements.
After assessing their needs, Prasad Chikitsa agreed
to provide financial assistance with school fees, books,
uniforms and notebooks, so that the children could remain
in school. Also, they gave the mother a monthly fund
so that she could continue to pay for basic
|
|
needs of her family such as food,
clothing, and house rent. Furthermore, Prasad Chikitsa
arranged for the purchase of a handicap bicycle for
Chetan so that he could become more mobile and independent.
Finally, they arranged for the mother to be seen by
a Mumbai infectious diseases doctor, so that she can
be put on antiretroviral drugs, which hopefully will
keep her alive longer.
Through the generosity of Prasad
Chikitsa donors and the compassionate dedication of
volunteers and staff, Chetan's mother has been able
to keep her family together in their home, and the children
have been able to stay in school. She has been responding
well to the antiretroviral drugs, which may give her
more time to continue raising her family. And Chetan
happily rides to school every day on his new bicycle.
He has the chance to rise above the limitations of his
handicap and create a life of greater autonomy and promise.
|
