Nothing can stop me from becoming a civil engineer – not my deformed spine and not my classmates who bully me for it. I found out that I needed surgery for my back during my class 10 board exams, but I was determined to give my exams and get into college. I knew my parents could either afford my education or the surgery, and I rather have them spend on my education. For two years I told them not to worry. If only my condition did not worsen, I would have earned money myself to get the treatment. Now the doctors tell me that I need surgery soon.
Shashikumar (16) has congenital scoliosis, the sideways curvature of the spine that is caused by a defect that was present at birth. However, Shashikumar’s symptoms did not start showing until two years ago. Now, his posture has changed, he has a hunch, and his spine is bending more with each day.
I can’t put off the surgery any longer. It’s the only way I can fulfil my dreams and live a healthy life. My parents have sacrificed a lot for me to be able to get a good education, I’ve worked hard all these years.
I don’t want to let my bent spine stop me from achieving my dreams. My parents are too poor to afford my surgery, only you help can me.
The specifics of this case have been verified by the medical team at the concerned hospital. For any clarification on the treatment or associated costs, contact the campaign organizer or the medical team.
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My parents couldn’t afford my education, the surgery is beyond their means
Growing up in my grandmother’s house near Madhugiri, I was always aware of my parents’ financial difficulties. My mother, Lalitha is a flower vendor and makes around Rs. 200 per day and my father, Lakshmi works as a construction worker and earns Rs. 350 per day. They couldn’t afford my education, so they sent me to live with my grandma. It was then that I knew I had to work hard to support them. I would stay up all night studying. However, two years ago my life changed. My back and shoulders started hurting if I sat for even half an hour, I had trouble breathing and even walking. It was only the beginning.Shashikumar (16) has congenital scoliosis, the sideways curvature of the spine that is caused by a defect that was present at birth. However, Shashikumar’s symptoms did not start showing until two years ago. Now, his posture has changed, he has a hunch, and his spine is bending more with each day.
I get bullied in college every day for looking different, but it has not broken my spirit
By the time I joined college for my diploma in civil engineering, my spine was already bent. My classmates make fun of me every day even now. I’m shorter than them, I can’t jump or run as they can, so they sometimes take my notebook and throw it around, asking me to catch it. It doesn’t trouble me anymore. I can’t let any of this break my spirit. I try to focus on my course, but I have to sit for hours to draw and now it’s becoming more difficult with each day. I can’t sit for even a few minutes without being in pain. My condition is only getting worse.I don’t want to let my bent spine stop me from achieving my dreams. My parents are too poor to afford my surgery, only you help can me.
Supporting Document
The specifics of this case have been verified by the medical team at the concerned hospital. For any clarification on the treatment or associated costs, contact the campaign organizer or the medical team.
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