"She is only 13 years old, but she makes me and my husband learn how strong a person can be." says Radhika, Vanshika's mother.
Vanshika is a teenager who is struggling with scoliosis. This means that slowly, her spinal cord is curving, and putting pressure on her lungs. The only form of treatment is surgery.
Vanshik's parents watch helplessly as their daughter struggles. 44-year-old Radhika teaches English and Social Science at a school in Pune. They are from a small middle-class family, who believes in living life simple. They have two daughters- Isha, who studies in class 12, and Vanshika- who studies in class 8.
“We believe in simplicity. We have always been a middle class family who just wants their children to be grow up and be happy.”
She was just a toddler when we knew she has this condition
Things were going fine until the family found out about Vanshika’s illness. When she was 1.5 years old, Vanishika was diagnosed with scoliosis.
Scoliosis is a disease where a person’s spine has a sideways curve. In severe cases, this can cause pressure on the lungs and difficulties in breathing.
When Vanshika was 1.5 years old, her parents noticed that she was sitting in a different posture. They took her to a doctor who diagnosed her. Vanshika’s parents were shattered to know the diagnosis.
They were dismayed to know the cost of treatment
Radhika and her husband took Vanshika to different doctors. The doctors in Indore were not aware of the treatment. After months of trying out doctors, they came across someone in Mumbai who knew the course of treatment.
The doctor in Mumbai advised the family that the only course of treatment was a corrective surgery. With this, Vanshika could walk normally again. The cost of the surgery, even the most economical one, would cost over Rs 10 lakhs. Doctors have said that the surgery has to happen within the next six months in order for Vanshika to recover.
Vanishika is struggling to even breathe
Vanshika is in 8th standard now. However, her disease is progressing to the point where she cannot breathe comfortably. Within a few months, her condition will become worse. Inspite of knowing that she is severely sick, Vanshika smiles and carries on. She is in great pain almost all the time and has forgotten what it means to breathe freely.
“Me and my husband look at Vanishika- our 13 year old- and realize that we can learn so much from her. She is so brave. She enjoys every single day so much!"
How you can help
They are sending both daughters to school. Radhika’s in-laws stay with the family as well and the family struggles to pay their medical bills. Now this family needs to save their little daughter's life, but do not have to money to do so. They cant bear to see their little girl suffer like this everyday when girls of her age are out playing.
The brave teenager is fighting to live a normal life. This family desperately seeks help to save their little daughter's life. With your help, she can undergo a surgery that will enable her to walk and breathe normally.
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.
