Unlocking a New Door

From Not Understanding to a New Approach

June 2012 

Rohan and his family live in the informal housing settlement of Gujjar Ki Thadi, in Jaipur, near a Save Kids Trust’s Clinic. He is the oldest of five children and the only son. A younger son recently died of an illness.  

Dr. Sharwan was brought to Rohan’s home by another family in the community. Rohan’s family needed help but didn’t know how to reach out. Dr. Sharwan found a family depressed and frightened. Rohan was the sickest at this point. His symptoms started in 2006 when he was nine years old. He had suffered a series of seizures that had left his right arm and leg paralyzed. He had been bedridden since then. He could not sit without support or do anything on his own. His condition was worsening every passing day. His repeated seizures left him in bouts of unconsciousness.

Three of the siblings, including Rohan, were found to be suffering from a rare genetic disorder that leads to progressive neurological decline. Two of the daughters started showing the same symptoms at around ten years of age. Although the symptoms are less severe for the girls, theirs gradually progressed.

October 2012

With the intervention of Save Kids Trust, there is relief for the family through proper treatment and medicine. The clinic provides the childrens’ medicine for free but this alone will not help the family. The three children who are suffering need intense medical care. Rohan needs some moral support as well. He is now 13 years old.

To help the family’s financial situation, Save Kids Trust helped them start a ‘General Store’ booth where daily supplies are sold in individual packets for day wage earners. Save Kids Trust also purchased a wheelchair for Rohan. The family was shocked when they saw how much independence this brought him. He ‘came to life’ and everyone learned that he had a strong personality with a good sense of humor. He was a great barterer in the family store. The General Store helped the family regain confidence.

June 2013

Here are some photos of Rohan and his mother at an event at Save Kids Trust clinic. See how much happier they are! Rohan can even stand for short periods! He and his siblings are not cured but everyone, parents and siblings, is getting to experience a fuller life.