Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JD)

Mangaluru, Aug 21: This family of five had many dreams. Life was getting better, slowly and steadily, but all of a sudden all dreams shattered as the head of the family fell ill, afflicted by something that one would not wish even for one's enemy.

This is the story of Neville Fernandes from Santhoorkopla near Padubidri whose family is living everyday with tears, as the head of the family is suffering from paralysis and has lost control over his left side and is being treated in a private hospital.

Neville's wife Lavina Fernandes explains how Nevillle suffered a stroke which rendered him bedridden since July 11. "At 9 pm on July 10, some people came to our house and sought Neville's help to lift their vehicle which had fallen into a ditch. Neville went to their help, came back home and slept after having food as per his routine. At 3 am, I heard a noise and saw Neville lying on the floor, finding it difficult to move the left side of his body. We rushed him to the local hospital immediately with the help of neighbours and later got him admitted to a private hospital here. As he has a rod in his leg, he could not have an MRI. The doctor after the CT scan said that there were two clots in the brain which had to be removed immediately.

"Doctors gave very little hopes of Neville's survival, but after a few days of the removal of the clots, his right skull was removed to save him and still the doctors have given up hopes that his condition would improve. Till August 19, he was in the MICU (ICU for monitoring) and on the same day, he started responding and was brought to the general ward. Now he is able to speak softly but has to go undergo another surgery in the next three months. Even before the surgery, he has to undergo physiotherapy treatment," Lavina said, her eyes turning moist recalling her husband's trauma.

"Till now we have spent Rs 2.75 lac and we do not know how we will be able to manage his expenses in the future, with three daughters to look after," she added.

Neville was an energetic young man who is now in his early 40s. His dream was to provide a good life to his family, especially to his three daughters. The elder daughter is doing her PUC, while the other two are going to primary school. He was running a mini bus for his livelihood, but even if it is sold now, he would not be able to pay bank loans and pending tax to the government.

His brothers and sisters helped him out in paying the hospital bill. AJ Hospital has also been very kind to him in giving a generous concession and other medical help.

Lavina is working as a kindergarten teacher in Nitte school. Everything was going fine for the family until Neville suffered a stroke.

"We had lost hopes, but God has been kind. Neville has been showing a little recovery, he can recognize people but cannot talk much. But the major worry is he has lost control over his left side, which means he cannot come back to normal for at least another few years. He is undergoing physiotherapy. Now all he needs is good care from us. I am not strong enough to take care of him alone as he needs assistance each and every moment. We cannot keep him in the hospital for long. All our sources have exhausted. Still lots of bills are pending to be settled. Our first concern is Neville's health, but along with that, I cannot imagine what would happen to the future of my three daughters. I am from Teerthahalli and my family is not financially strong enough to support me. I have never begged anyone for help, but I hope someone will understand my situation and help me out," says a teary-eyed Lavina, who strongly believes that her husband would completely recover.

Daijiworld urges support to Lavina in helping her meet Neville's further medical costs and for the future of their three daughters.

Lavina can be contacted at : 91 94497 69715

Account details:

Lavina Fernandes,
A/C No: 01152180011338
IFSC code: SYNB0000115
Syndicate Bank, NET campus branch (Nitte)