“My son was born with a spine deformity. Just a few months after that, my husband left us. I never heard from him again. I don’t have anything much to say about him either. It’s just my son’s well being that I am worried about. He was alright until 3 months ago with regular treatment. But now—he is unable to walk or move.” - Shoma, Mother

He got more than a last name from his stepfather

Suraj Chhetri (14) does not remember the face of his birth father. However, he found love and protection through the form of Ashok Chhetri, his stepfather, and then his little sister. Shoma works as a private nurse whereas Ashok is a fish seller. They work together to take care of their kids. However, their earnings are too low to afford a major spine surgery for their son.

His welfare is my only priority

“Suraj’s surgery is all that matters to me right now. He needs help to even move around. He had to quit his studies too. He is very depressed and feels lonely at home after we go to work. We are unable to even afford a caretaker for him. If one of us leaves the job, we cannot manage the basic expenses or afford his medicines. I feel so guilty that I am not able to help him.” - Ashok Chhetri, Father

Suraj has been diagnosed with a condition termed Dorsal Kyphosis. He needs to undergo spinal surgery at the earliest to recover, before he permanently loses the ability to walk. The cost of the surgery is 4.5 Lakh Rupees. The parents have provided treatment for Suraj for the last 14 years at a Government hospital in West Bengal.

We came to a new city without funds to even afford food.

“We tried a lot to get the surgery in our hometown at a Government hospital. However, they said that such complicated surgery cannot be done there. We had to come to Bangalore for the surgery. We came here without sufficient funds to even take care of basic needs. How can we arrange such a huge amount? We do not know anyone here to even ask for help.” - Ashok, Father

Suraj can lead a normal life with your help. With this surgery, his spinal deformity can be corrected and it can help him lead an independent and healthy life.