Priya is So Much Better!
Updated: Aug 20
This story started months ago. See ‘Early Diagnosis Saves Life’ dated Mar 7, 2026.
After three months of Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment (ATT), Priya showed remarkable improvement. Her fever had settled, her appetite had returned, and slowly her strength was coming back. Seeing her smile again gave hope to everyone involved in her care.
However, during our regular follow-up visits, Priya repeatedly complained of severe back pain. Even though she looked better overall, the pain continued to trouble her whenever we met her. This worried us deeply, and we decided further investigation was necessary.
Priya was taken to a pediatric specialist, and an MRI scan of her spine was performed. The MRI revealed that the infection had spread to multiple bones in her lower spine. It showed swelling and damage in several vertebrae, infection in the spinal disc, and collections of pus around the spine and nearby muscles. The infection had also started putting mild pressure on the nerves around the spinal canal. Doctors diagnosed her with Pott’s Spine — Tuberculosis affecting the spine.
She was immediately referred to a Pediatric Orthopedic specialist and admitted to the government hospital. An ultrasound-guided FNAC procedure was performed, where pus was carefully drained from the infected area and sent for laboratory testing. Thankfully, no other dangerous microorganisms were found. Priya remained admitted for nearly two weeks for treatment, monitoring, pain relief, and supportive care. She was later discharged with a spinal support belt to help stabilize and protect her back during recovery.
One of the biggest challenges during this journey was convincing Priya to agree to hospital admission. She was frightened and refused admission several times. It took repeated counseling, emotional support, patience, and encouragement before she finally agreed to treatment. Today, seeing her alive, smiling, and hopeful again reminds us why we never gave up.
Now our major focus is rebuilding Priya’s strength and nutrition so her body can heal completely. Over the last three months, she has gained only three kilograms, so her progress is being monitored very closely. To support her recovery, we provided nutritional supplements and took care of financial support for treatment.
We advised the family to include eggs in her daily diet because they are affordable and nutritious. However, local faith healers discouraged the family from eating “white foods,” creating another obstacle in her healing journey. Continuous counseling and health education therefore remain an important part of her care.
Priya’s recovery has required courage, patience, teamwork, and trust. Her story is not only about treating diseases, but also about restoring hope, overcoming fear, fighting misinformation, and standing beside a child until her smile truly returns.
Today, Priya is stronger than before, continuing her treatment with courage and hope. And we will continue walking beside her until she is completely healed.
Priya and her family of 7, stand in front of their tent home. Priya's weight is only 25kg (55 lbs). She is 14 years old. Priya and her dad the day she got out of the hospital. You can see the white spinal support belt.
Update August 11, 2026
Today, Priya is completely cured of tuberculosis and no longer needs any medication. Her recovery is a wonderful reminder that early diagnosis, proper treatment, and consistent support can transform a child’s future.
What brings us the greatest joy is that Priya continues to visit our medical camps, not because she is ill, but because she values her health. At every visit, we check her weight, and it is steadily increasing—a clear sign of her improved nutrition and full recovery. Her bright smile and renewed confidence speak louder than words.
Priya’s journey is a story of hope. It reflects the life-changing impact of accessible healthcare and the unwavering support of our donors, volunteers, and healthcare team. Together, we are not only curing diseases—we are restoring health, confidence, and a brighter future for children like Priya.
