Youths collect Rs 80k for 11-month-old sick bacy
Jharsuguda: A group of 12 youths and teenagers, whose fathers are working in Odisha State Armed Police, 2nd Battalion, have raised Rs 80,000 for the treatment of a 11-month-old child based in Kathmandu.
The baby, Siyona Shrestha, is suffering from spinal muscular atrophy, a rare disease. Her parents had appealed for help over social media.
“I came to know about Siyona through social media when everyone shared her story and requested for help. I was very moved. I immediately posted the same message in my friend’s social media group and asked all my friends to come forward to help her. We decided to collect money for her treatment and started the work on October 31,” said Srijana Tamang, a member of the group.
The money was contributed by the families of OSAP personnel and shop-keepers operating in the area. “Most youths of our area knew what we are doing due to social media but we had little difficulty in making senior citizens understand. On coming to know about our cause, they also came forward,” she said.
Shivam Thapa, another teenager who was part of this campaign, said, “We were surprised by the amount we could collect. Everything will be deposited in the baby’s bank account.”
Local residents contributed because it involved the treatment of the girl. “I felt they were doing a great job at such a young age and felt that I should do my bit.”