MILAAP SUCCESS STORY · SPINAL CORD INJURY
From Complete Paralysis to Small Victories: Sima's Fight Continues
My sister Sima woke up one ordinary morning with neck pain. By that evening, a spinal cord injury had left her completely paralysed. A lung infection nearly took her life soon after, and strangers helped us continue when our entire family had exhausted every resource we had.
1 Yr
Since the sudden injury that left Sima completely paralysed
30L
Spent during the critical phase alone, after a serious lung infection
2 Hospitals
She was shifted between as her condition became more critical
A neck pain that changed everything overnight
Everything changed suddenly on the morning of 9th July last year. Sima woke up with severe pain in her neck. At first, no one imagined it would be something life-changing. Her parents immediately admitted her to the hospital, hoping it was a temporary problem. However, after several investigations, the doctors diagnosed her with a spinal cord injury. The injury had caused paralysis throughout her body. Hearing that news was devastating for all of us because our lives changed completely within a single day.
The spinal cord injury itself was already a huge challenge, but the most difficult part came when she developed a serious lung infection during her hospital stay because of complications during treatment. Her condition became much more critical, and we had to shift her to another hospital for advanced care. That phase was extremely frightening, and the treatment costs increased dramatically, with nearly ₹30 lakh spent during that period alone.
“Hearing that news was devastating for all of us because our lives changed completely within a single day.”
— Suman, Sima’s Sibling
Loans, savings, and mortgaged belongings
Initially, the family tried to arrange the money on their own. Sima’s parents took loans, I contributed all of my personal savings, and even my sisters mortgaged their belongings to help raise funds. We exhausted every possible personal resource before seeking help from others.
When we learned how expensive the treatment would be, we were completely shocked. We had no idea how we would arrange such a huge amount of money. This is the gap most families facing a spinal cord injury with unexpected complications fall into, the original injury is expensive enough on its own, but a complication like a lung infection can multiply costs well beyond what any family’s combined savings and loans can cover.
How I found Milaap
A close friend introduced me to Milaap. He had previously seen someone successfully raise funds through the platform and suggested that we try it as well. After learning more about Milaap and seeing how it had helped other families during medical emergencies, I contacted the team and started the fundraiser for Sima’s treatment.
It was an incredible feeling. We realised that there were so many kind-hearted people willing to help someone they had never even met. The support gave us immense relief because we honestly didn’t know how we would have managed such enormous treatment expenses without crowdfunding.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. When we had no idea how we would continue her treatment, you stood beside us. Your generosity made it possible for Sima to receive the care she needed during the most difficult time of her life.”
— Suman, Sima’s Sibling
Where Sima is today
Today, Sima is doing much better than she was during the early stages of treatment. She has regained movement in her upper body, which has been a major milestone in her recovery. However, her lower body has not fully recovered yet, and she continues to undergo regular physiotherapy.
The biggest turning point came after Sima was admitted to Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru. After spending time on a ventilator, she gradually started responding to treatment, and when doctors were finally able to remove the ventilator, we felt hopeful for the first time. Recovery from a spinal cord injury takes time, and we continue hoping that she will regain further movement with ongoing rehabilitation.
Facing a spinal cord injury with unexpected complications driving costs higher?
A spinal cord injury is expensive on its own, but complications like infections can multiply costs well beyond what savings and loans can cover. We help families reach a wider circle of support so treatment doesn’t have to stop.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a spinal cord injury with complications cost in India?
Costs vary depending on the severity of the injury and any complications that arise. Sima’s family spent nearly ₹30 lakh during a single critical phase after she developed a lung infection, on top of the costs of her initial diagnosis and hospitalisation.
Why do spinal cord injury patients sometimes develop lung infections?
Patients with severe spinal cord injuries, especially those requiring extended bed rest or ventilator support, face a higher risk of respiratory infections due to reduced mobility and weakened breathing function. These infections can significantly complicate and prolong recovery.
What does it mean when a ventilator is removed during recovery?
Removing a ventilator generally signals that a patient’s breathing has stabilised enough for them to breathe independently again. For Sima’s family, this moment was a major turning point that gave them renewed hope after a critical phase of treatment.
How do I start a fundraiser for a spinal cord injury with complications?
You typically need a diagnosis report and a treatment cost estimate from the hospital, along with 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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