Wheel chair for a differently abled young boy

Mehtab, 8-year old son of Arifan and Noorjahan is suffering from SSPE (Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis) and needs a wheelchair so that his parents don’t need to carry him around. Also known as measles encephalitis, this is a rare and chronic form of brain inflammation caused by persistent infection with measles. Mehtab and his elder brother were infected by measles when they were 1 and 2 years old respectively. They were not given measles vaccination, since nobody in their village got vaccinations for children. Mehtab’s brother lost sight in his right eye, and is not full developed mentally. Mehtab is not able to stand or talk properly. He even has difficulty in holding his neck straight.

Arifan is a painter, and the family lives in a temporary shed in Gottigere slum, Bangalore. He is not in a financial position to pay for a wheelchair for his son. On request from MicroCharity, they visited a doctor, who prescribed the specific type of wheelchair required by Mehtab. Cost of the wheelchair is Rs.17,500 after discounts. We have already placed an order at Mobility India, who will deliver the wheel chair and also train Mehtab’s parents on using it.

MicroCharity approves fund request of Rs.17,500 for the wheelchair.

Fund Raising closed for this cause. Rs 17,500 is raised from 7 micro donations in 3 days. We will be buying the wheel chair shortly and passing to Mehtab.