Kadakkal, Kollam: Life has been a constant struggle for Soumya Mohan, a former marathon champion in state-level school meets.
Soumya, 29, lives in a cramped and crumbling house with husband Manikandan Pillai, their two children, and her grandparents, at Parakadavu, near Vayala. After being diagnosed with cancer two years ago, she has been undergoing treatment at the Regional Cancer Centre in Thiruvananthapuram.
Manikandan is a daily-wager while Soumya works as a physical education teacher at a private un-aided school in the locality, but their earnings are insufficient to meet even medical expenses.
Soumya had been shouldering the entire burden of the family ever since her father Mohanan Pillai died after a fall from a tree. Her grandfather Gopinathan Pillai is bed-ridden following a near-fatal accident a couple of years ago.
Their house, which is located in the Vayala ward of Ittiva grama panchayat, is in a dilapidated condition with leaky roofs and ruined walls. The mud-brick structure is devoid of basic amenities.
Despite repeated pleas from Soumya, the people’s representatives in the area have so far failed to initiate any action to help the family. For unknown reasons, they have not been accommodated under the Life Mission housing scheme of the state government.
Kottarakara tahsildar, however, promised Soumya that her request for ration card and welfare pension would be considered favourably.
The family hopes that kind-hearted people would come forward to support them to raise funds for Soumya’s treatment and help them wade through this crisis.
A bank account has been opened for the specific purpose of accepting contributions. Those willing to help Soumya, please note: Account Number: 8256511050, Indian Bank, Ittiva Branch. IFSC Code: IDIB000I003. Contact number: 75588 44728.
