Share
"I had gone fishing one day, and during the course of those few hours, my left leg was submerged in the water. When I returned home that night, my leg swelled up and I had a raging fever. I was left bed-ridden for a while, and was shocked to see what had happened to my leg.” - Bhagwati Prasad
His left leg is almost thrice the size of his right leg
Bhagwati Prasad was born with two normal legs and grew up alright, until a fishing expedition, 15 years ago, turned his life upside down. The 36-year-old is now battling a complex lymphatic disease that has left one of his legs swollen like that of an elephant.He suffers from lymphedema, where tissue swelling is caused by an accumulation of protein-rich fluid that's usually drained through the body's lymphatic system. The condition generally affects either the arms or the legs. He needs extensive surgery to rectify his condition.
“I face a lot of difficulties because of my swollen leg. I can’t walk, I can’t go anywhere. I have trouble going to the bathroom and struggle to bathe myself. I have to elevate my feet on a stack of pillows when I sleep or it cramps up, causes discomfort, and takes a while to relax. Once every month, I run high fevers that last for well over a week, and my leg turns red.” - Bhagwati Prasad
This condition has stopped him from living a decent life
The physical deformity has also dented his social life. His inability to perform daily chores with ease has been exacerbated by the loss of friends and jeers from society.
"The leg has not allowed me to do anything. I haven’t been able to get married and settle down like my parents once hoped for me. Now, I just feel like a burden to them. Sometimes, I contemplate on whether I should get my leg amputated, and other times, I just feel like I shouldn’t live anymore." - Bhagwati Prasad
He needs surgery, but the family is financially incapable of providing that for him
Bhagwati runs a small stall selling tobacco. He makes around Rs 400, which is not enough to run his family, let alone facilitate him to afford his treatment. What was perceived as a one-time ailment, has become a constant source of woe for not only Bhagwati but also his entire family.
We truly have nothing to our name - no money, no assets, nothing that can get my son the treatment he needs. In our difficult times, I can only thank those who will come forward and help us." - Vrindavan Kada, father
These old parents have already lost a son, their firstborn, and they can’t lose Bhagwati, their only child and hope for the future. They are desperately seeking help so Bhagwati can undergo the life-altering operation and lead a normal life.
Click here to donate.
