By Dr Girish Kulkarni | Founder
Thank you for standing with us with your generous support. At Snehalaya, once you become part of our family, you are always part of our family.
Even those who have moved on with their lives often return to visit, catch up with old friends, or seek support during difficult times. One such family member was Suraj who is HIV positive.
Suraj grew up in our childcare institution and when he turned 18 he left to start his life of independence. He created a stable life and secured regular employment. Unfortunately, and despite our advice, part of his new found independence was his decision to stop taking his essential anti-retroviral therapy (ART) medication. As a result, his immune system became severely weakened, and he developed Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the peripheral nerves.
When Suraj finally returned to seek our help, his condition was critical and he was immediately admitted to our Caring Friends Hospital,. Paralysed from the neck down, his future looked uncertain. Many patients with severe GBS face a long and difficult road to recovery, and some never fully regain their mobility.
Yet those who know Suraj know he possesses remarkable determination.
Our doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and caregivers worked tirelessly to support him. At first, progress came in tiny steps. Suraj began by squeezing a therapy ball with his right hand. Then he repeated the exercise with his left. Day after day, he diligently followed a programme of exercises designed to strengthen his arms and legs.
Because he was unable to care for himself, staff members provided round-the-clock assistance, ensuring he received the support, encouragement, and dignity he needed throughout his recovery.
Slowly, sensation began returning to his limbs. First his right hand and arm responded, then his left. What seemed impossible only weeks earlier began to look achievable.
Suraj's determination matched the dedication of his medical team. He progressed from being confined to bed, to using a wheelchair, then a walking frame. Step by step, he literally learned how to walk again.
His recovery astonished doctors and specialists.
A favourite among hospital staff, Suraj was constantly encouraged to push himself a little further each day. He embraced every challenge and never gave up.
Today, Suraj is back on his feet.
His smile says everything. What once appeared to be a hopeless situation became a story of resilience, expert medical care, and unwavering support.
Suraj's recovery is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when skilled healthcare professionals, compassionate caregivers, and a determined patient work together towards a common goal.
This is what Caring Friends Hospital stands for: not just treatment, but hope, dignity, and second chances.
Your support helps make stories like Suraj's possible. Every donation helps us provide life-changing medical care to vulnerable individuals who have nowhere else to turn.
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