Post news network
Brahmagiri: In Indian society, where step-parents often carry the stigma of pathological cruelty, a woman has shattered the age-old stereotypes of the evil stepmother by pledging to donate her kidney to save the life of her ailing stepson.
Sumitra Swain, a resident of Gaudabandha village in Manapada panchayat of Brahmagiri block, made heads turn in awe when she offered to donate one of her kidneys to her stepson, Nrusingha, 20, to save his life.
Both of Nrusingha’s kidneys failed when he was about 10, and he has been bedridden since then. Chhaila, a daily-wage labourer, sold all his properties to support the treatment of his son. The family estimates that more than `10 lakh has been spent towards Nrusingha’s medical expenses over the last 10 years. It is already proving painfully difficult to support a family of five – Chhaila, Sumitra, their two daughters and Nrusingha.
Chhaila married Sumitra after his first wife Harasmani died four years ago. Despite being Nrusingha’s stepmother, Sumitra is determined to save his life. Doctors treating the youth have said his life can be saved by transplanting a kidney. When Chhaila was in a desperate search for a prospective donor to save his son, Sumitra came forward and pledged to donate her kidney.
While Chhaila and Sumitra have seen a ray of hope after a long battle to save Nrusingha’s life, lack of funds for a kidney transplant has now posed a hurdle in their path. The couple has appealed to the government
for help to save the life of their only son.
“Due to lack of money we are unable to carry out the kidney transplantation. If the state government extends help, we can save our son,” said Sumitra.