Given the severity of her illness, Sushma's treatment would cost over Rs 14 lakhs. But the humble economic condition of the family did not leave room for such a huge expenditure. Sushma's father, who is the sole breadwinner for the family and is a priest at the temple, was able to collect a sum of Rs seven lakh. But luckily, the hospital came forward to raise funds through an online crowd-funding platform. Dr Battad, Consultant Pediatric Immunology and Rheumatology who treated Sushma says, "By the third week, she started showing signs of recovery and by the sixth month she started doing all her activities on her own. However, she still faced a challenge to hold a pencil or a pen due to the severe muscle weakness in her hands. With the help of aggressive physiotherapy, she regained regular movements of the hand and could finally start writing again. She fought for her life with sheer determination and her will-power enabled her to continue pursuing ambition. Truly, her journey in the past two years has been exceptional and can inspire many youngsters.”
Sushma's recovery is a true tale of grit and self-belief, "My father used to hold the books in his hand, facing me and I read them. My books were the only source of distraction that made me forget my pain. Even during times of extreme pain and agony, I had a willingness to learn. I have always dreamt of becoming a lecturer and hope to turn my dream into a reality someday," she says