A 71-year-old woman, Chandra Wati, is facing a critical battle for her mobility as her family seeks public support to fund her urgent knee replacement surgery. This operation, costing $30,000, is scheduled for March 27 in India and is essential for her to regain the ability to walk, avoiding the prospect of a life confined to bed.
Chandra, who spent many years working as a farmer in Taveuni before relocating to Suva, has experienced debilitating pain due to advanced degeneration in both knees. Her niece, Bindiya Rashni, highlighted the toll that years of hard labor have taken on her aunt’s health, stating that years of working tirelessly in challenging conditions have left her knees in dire condition. Medical reports confirm that the joint space in her knees has diminished significantly, leading to a loss of tissue that cannot regenerate.
Chandra is currently semi-bedridden and relies on strong medication to manage agonizing pain, which her family describes as severe and debilitating. Despite the hardships she has endured, including the tragic loss of her husband and eldest son in 2003, Chandra persevered to provide for her remaining children—two daughters and a son—ensuring they received an education.
In a recent effort to assist her, her children pooled their resources to cover her cancer treatment, but this has left them financially strained. Now, they are turning to the public for help in funding the knee surgery that could restore Chandra’s independence. Her daughter, Shoma Nand, expressed the serious health risks associated with her mother’s immobility, emphasizing the need for her to regain basic functions to avoid further health complications.
The family’s appeal highlights the hope they hold for a better future for Chandra, allowing her to reclaim her independence and daily activities, such as standing and bathing without assistance. The community’s support could be pivotal in changing the course of her life for the better.
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