MILAAP SUCCESS STORY · BRAIN SURGERY RECOVERY
Cooking Again: A Daughter’s Two-Week Fight for Her Mother’s Recovery
When my mother, Mariya Pushpam, suddenly collapsed with severe giddiness and became unable to speak, I rushed her to a nearby government hospital, not knowing what we were about to face. What followed was a frightening two-week medical journey that left our family uncertain about her recovery.
2 Weeks
The critical treatment period after her brain swelling was discovered
3–4 Families
Referred to Milaap by me since my mother’s recovery
Cooking Again
Mariya’s life today, close to her normal self
A sudden collapse, then a frightening diagnosis
When my mother suddenly collapsed with severe giddiness and became unable to speak, I rushed her to a nearby government hospital. What followed was a frightening medical journey that left our family uncertain about her recovery.
She was first treated for abnormal blood pressure and was later referred to a larger hospital for further care. A brain CT revealed swelling in her brain, and doctors told us that she had suffered a serious neurological complication that required immediate treatment.
“Seeing my mother in such a critical condition, with tubes and a feeding tube attached to her, was the hardest part. Her fever and complications left me fearful throughout those two weeks.”
— Mariya’s Daughter
Two weeks of fear, and a financial worry we couldn’t ignore
During the treatment, my mother had several tubes and medical instruments attached to her body, including a feeding tube. She also experienced fever and other complications, leaving me fearful throughout the two-week treatment period.
The financial side of the treatment added to our worries. I did not initially know how we would manage the expenses, while relatives in Korea helped us arrange some funds. As the treatment continued, we needed additional support to manage the costs.
How Milaap helped
I came to know about Milaap through my sister, who suggested starting a fundraiser. The support from donors brought immense relief to our family, and I was left with tears of happiness knowing that people were coming forward to help my mother.
The doctors and nurses also made this difficult journey easier for us. I remember the hospital staff as friendly and supportive, helping us through the treatment and the complications my mother experienced.
“I was left with tears of happiness knowing that people were coming forward to help my mother.”
— Mariya’s Daughter
Where my mother is today
Today, my mother has made a significant recovery. She is back to doing everyday activities, including cooking, and she is now much closer to her normal self compared to the difficult days of treatment.
There are still some small complications and occasional tiredness, and her hair is gradually growing back. But these are very different from the days when I was frightened by the tubes, feeding support and repeated complications.
My mother’s recovery has also encouraged me to help other families. After her surgery, I recommended creating fundraisers to three or four people facing medical difficulties, hoping they too could find the support they need. For our family, the journey has gone from fear and uncertainty to relief and gratitude — seeing her cook, return to her routine and live more normally today is a hopeful sign of how far she has come.
Facing a sudden neurological emergency or a costly hospital stay?
A stroke, brain swelling or similar emergency can mean weeks of critical care, tubes and monitoring — costs that can quickly outpace what a family can arrange on its own. We help families reach a wider circle of support so treatment doesn’t have to stop.
Frequently asked questions
What causes sudden giddiness and loss of speech, and why is it a medical emergency?
Sudden giddiness combined with an inability to speak can be signs of a serious neurological event, such as a stroke or brain swelling, and needs immediate medical attention. Doctors typically order urgent scans, such as a brain CT, to identify the cause and begin treatment quickly.
Why do doctors use a feeding tube during treatment for a brain-related emergency?
A feeding tube is often used when a patient is unable to eat or swallow safely on their own, which can happen during a serious neurological illness or after brain surgery. It helps ensure the patient continues to receive nutrition while they recover.
How much does treatment for a neurological emergency like brain swelling cost in India?
Costs vary depending on the length of hospital stay, the complications involved and whether surgery is needed, but critical neurological care can run into several lakh rupees, especially with extended ICU stays. Mariya’s family relied on support from relatives abroad and a Milaap fundraiser to help manage these costs.
How do I start a fundraiser for a family member’s medical emergency?
You typically need a diagnosis report, a treatment cost estimate from the hospital, and identity proof for the patient or the person raising funds on their behalf. Our team helps applicants gather and verify these documents before the fundraiser goes live.
Story shared with permission · Written by Milaap
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