In the year 2021, Kerala joined hands for little Mohammed.
A native of Mattool in Kannur district, the year-and-a-half-old boy suffers from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), and the state raised Rs 46 crore in just over a few days for his treatment.
His wheelchair-bound sister Afra, who is also suffering from SMA, had appealed for help for her younger brother. Every rupee contributed for the little boy's treatment reflects the earnestness in which Kerala responded to her heart-felt appeal. And Kerala was able to win back little Mohammed’s enamouring smile. This is one of the most heartening moments for Kerala in 2021.
As we bid farewell to 2021 on this New Year’s eve, Afra shares the joy of her family with the world through Malayala Manorama.
My biggest dream was to run through all the rooms in our home. But now that is not my dream.
Now in all my dreams, I see my little brother Momma running towards me while I am seated on my wheelchair. He has now begun to crawl towards my wheelchair. He is also able to slowly raise himself while holding on to the wheelchair. When I bent towards him, he plants a kiss on my face.
After some months, he will be able to stand firmly on his own feet. How many people have given him the strength to do that!
About five months ago, I had appealed to save my little brother from the world of pain that I have been enduring. My appeal was taken up by all families as a problem affecting one of their own.
I am at a loss of words on how to thank every one of them on behalf of my Momma...
Momma and I spent nearly three hours at the physiotherapy centre daily. We might have to continue this for our entire lifetime. But the hope that he would stand up is what keeps us going on.
He is now able to stand using supporting shoes. And he is also able to take a few steps with the help of a walker.
The doctors have said that only months after the medicine is administered will the full results be visible. We are awaiting that happy occasion
After the medicine was administered, check-ups were held every two weeks. Later, we went for check-ups once a month. Now, once in three months we have to go to the Kozhikode hospital. My treatment is also ongoing along with this.
My father, who had come home for my brother's treatment, has returned to the Gulf. Our mother is looking after us now. Though schools have reopened, I am sad that I am not able to go. I received the electric chair, purchased by the treatment committee, a month ago. But as the road leading to our house is in a battered condition, I cannot go to school in that.
Another of my small wish is to get this road repaired. Then I can travel through that road on the wheel-chair on my own and buy things for my mother.
I also want to pay a visit to the grave of my grandmother, who had passed away eight months ago. It was my grandmother, who used to help me when I went to school.
Next year, I will be in class X. My aspiration is to become a doctor - a doctor who will cure children of illnesses.
2022 would be the year when my Momma will be able to stand on his own, without anyone's help. With the hope of seeing that happy sight...
Thanks a ton,
Yours,
Afra
