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“Even when I was going through unimaginable pain, my peeling skin covered in bandages and bleeding through them, all I wanted to do was hug my daughter. Every day I could hear her crying and calling out to me, and I wanted to comfort her so badly. I never thought I would be able to embrace her or my husband ever again, but here I am, doing just that every single day. I am so thankful for this second life that Milaap’s donors have gifted me.” - Vaishali Sen
Flames engulfed her within seconds and took over her entire existence
It was a Sunday. Vaishali and her husband Shailendra had taken their daughter Anaira to the market. When they came back, Shailendra was playing with Anaira in the bedroom when he heard the loud, painful screams of his wife. Before he could rush to her, she came running out of the kitchen and her whole body was on fire.Shailendra rushed Vaishali to the hospital, where she was given necessary first aid and then wheeled into the Burns Unit. The worried husband learnt later that a gas leak in the kitchen caused the mishap, and that it left Vaishali with 75% burns on her body and face.
“As I lay in the hospital bed, my face and arms covered in bandages, I tried telling my family that everything would be okay. Something inside me told me that I would be able to fight this. And my husband was my rock. He stuck with me through it all - the pain, the horror, my inability to accept my new reality…everything. He did not leave my side.” - Vaishali
Despite undergoing continuous treatment, recovery was far away
Vaishali was in a rather sensitive state when she was first admitted to the hospital. Doctors continuously monitored her for complications such as infections, blood loss, and shock, which is often what could lead to death. As all burns carry the risk of infections because bacteria can enter broken skin, she was administered strong antibiotics too. Even though she had undergone proper burns treatment for more than two months, doctors informed her family that she would require skin grafting surgery to completely recover.“My husband had already spent more than 6 lakhs on my treatment when he was told that I would require more graft surgeries. All our savings were exhausted by then, and it did not help that he had not been going to work ever since I was admitted. He was going through hell, but he did not let it dampen his confidence. He knew that he would save me at any cost. That is when somebody suggested setting up a fundraiser on Milaap, and so he did so immediately. And that is what changed everything for us.”-Vaishali
Vaishali has bounced back to life, has the biggest smile on her face
After a few months of treatment, which included four skin graft surgeries, ICU stay and supportive care, Vaishali’s condition started improving gradually. Now three years hence, she is now leading a normal, pain-free life. Vaishali’s husband and child are still her biggest source of strength and support.“After months and months of hospitalisation, I was relieved when I was discharged and allowed to recover at home. This wouldn't have been possible without the help of thousands of kind strangers who donated after they came across my story. I shudder to think about what could have happened if we did not receive help in time. I say a little prayer for everyone who showed me kindness when I needed it the most.” - Vaishali
A total of INR 5.9 L was raised towards Vaishali’s treatment through Milaap, and she and her family are forever grateful for the kindness you’ve shown them.
Accidents can happen anytime and they come without warning. The stark truth is that not everyone is as lucky as Vaishali - not everyone’s family is able to arrange enough funds in time for the extensive treatment that follows trauma cases. Patients linger in unbearable pain and suffering for many years, unable to get the medical care they deserve to recuperate properly. Trauma patients often hang between life and death, in a vegetative state, as a result.
This is where you can step in and contribute to Milaap’s Accident Emergency Response Fund, and be a beacon of light for those whose lives were turned upside-down by accidents. Click here to learn more about how you can make a difference.
