Sambalpur: In a heart wrenching incident, a widow put her house up for sale to raise money to save her granddaughter’s life who suffered form cancer. She was identified as Sumitra Mukhi (43) of Cheruapada village here in the town.
Nothing is more important than saving my granddaughter’s life, teary-eyed Mukhi said, adding shelter is not a major issue for her as the life of her granddaughter.
Sumitra hails from a BPL family and works as a sweeper to earn her living. Sumitra lost her husband at a young age and raised her son and daughter all by herself. She got her children married.
Her daughter died leaving behind Nindiya (6) with Sumitra. Adding to her misery, Sumitra’s son eloped with another woman leaving behind his wife Puspanjali, daughter Khushi (8) and Khusbu (2). Sumitra is left with her daughter-in-law and the three minors to take care of. However, there seemed to be no end to Sumitra’s misery. She was shattered after Khushi was diagnosed with cancer four months ago.
Khushi studies in Class II at Cheruapara Government School. Sumitra admitted her to Sambalpur district headquarters hospital where doctors declared her cancer-affected. Sumitra sold all her household items including gold ornaments and borrowed money from moneylenders to save the girl.
However, there has been no improvement in the Khushi’s health. Day by day she is becoming weaker. Meanwhile, doctors said Khushi would get well if she is operated in SCB Medical College and Hospital. With no options left, Sumitra mortgaged her house and admitted Khusi to Cuttack hospital.
Later, she approached the district collector and pleaded for some assistance. She submitted a written petition pleading the district administration to save her granddaughter’s life. The district collector assured Sumitra of aid from the Red Cross. PNN
