By Iyyappan Subramaniyan | Founder Managing Trustee
Meet Sheela — a reminder of why early intervention changes everything.
When Sheela arrived at Sri Arunodayam at the age of seven, she came with challenges that affected both her body and mind. What she needed most was timely medical care, steady rehabilitation, a safe space to call her own, and the nurturing love she had gone without. Today, her transformation stands as a powerful testament to what your support makes possible.
Transformed by Timely Care
Sheela was brought to Sri Arunodayam in 2017 after being found abandoned near a charity institute in Thoothukudi, over 600 kilometres from Chennai. Confused, fragile, and carrying more than any child should, she came with a diagnosis of spina bifida, a birth condition where the spinal cord does not form properly. Along with an intellectual disability, her mobility was severely restricted.
At Sri Arunodayam, she received timely medical intervention and underwent spinal surgery that reshaped her future. Through steady physiotherapy, she learned to stand, take steps, and eventually walk independently. Her gait may occasionally falter, but her determination never does. Regular medication helps stabilise her, enabling her to take part fully in school, play, and everyday activities.
Early medical intervention saved Sheela’s life. It gave her the childhood she deserved. With nutritious meals, patient teaching and consistent therapy in a safe environment, she learned to read, write, draw, colour, and even do simple math—milestones once thought out of reach for a child like her. Today, she is remarkably independent. Though she has no bladder control due to spina bifida, she manages her personal care with confidence and dignity, changing her own diapers before returning to her routine without hesitation.
Sheela’s journey is a powerful reminder of how early medical care and rehabilitation can completely change the trajectory of a child’s life. With timely support, every child can move closer to independence and a wonderful future filled with possibilities!
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