Empower 800 children with birth defects in Chennai

Dear donors

Greetings from Sukriti Social Foundation.

Thank you for helping us change the storyline for children with birth defects. . 

Where poverty is the way of life, potentials of children born with birth defects are often overshadowed by the struggle to survive. However, with a correct diagnosis, proper treatment and with the right appliances, even the most vulnerable can change their destiny and create a better future for their children. We stand to provide these appliances to bring in a change in the lives of children. And with you standing by our side, we are confident in this mission. Thank you. 

 A new hope

Our hearts ache when we see children struggle to balance themselves on an ordinary walker. Often, they stumble, tumble and experience agony and pain, which made us put our thinking cap. We have come out with a new walker, which is not readily available in the market. The children can balance themselves effectively in this walker and thus bringing smiles all around. (Please see the picture below). Thanks to you for making this feature possible.

Since the last report, we have supported 130 children providing various appliances such as :

• Ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) - support intended to control the position and motion of the ankle, compensate for weakness, or correct deformities.
• Supramalleolar Orthosis (SMO) - supports the foot just above the ankle bone or malleolus
• Heel raise sandal
• Doughnut Pillow
• Below knee Symes Prosthetics
• Both limbs Above-knee caliper with wheel walker
• Hinged AFO
• Taylor's Brace
• Cervical collar
• and Knee brace, to name a few.

Sometimes, seemingly simple activities for any child become painful and disturbing for children with birth defects. That's when we intervene and make transformative life experiences. One such child, among many others, is three-year-old Ashwina. Her parents had a harrowing time, not knowing how to find a treatment for their daughter. Little Ashwina, after wearing supportive shoes continuously, now walks and even taps her feet to the music  Her parents, Amulraj and Sujatha, are happy and composed. "We have had nightmares thinking about Ashwina's future, but now we are confident, and we are certain that she will progress," responded the parents. 

When Sridevi gave birth to Sharvin with congenital disabilities, not even in her wildest dreams, she thought he would walk. But, both the parents were strong and fought their battle. Today, Sharvin is five years and has been wearing our shoes continuously. "We are joyful and see a great future. He actively participates in all school activities and even won 1st prize in a running competition," chorused the delighted parents. 

These stories, and countless others like them, point to a brighter future for children with birth defects. You have walked with us on this journey, making it a reality. We hope you'd continue your support. We'd be happier if you shared this report with your friends who would, like you, be keen to foresee a brighter future for these children.

Thank you, and we remain grateful,

Soumya

Trustee - Sukriti Social Foundation 

Dear donors,

Greetings from Sukriti Social Foundation.

Thank you for helping us make a difference in the lives of children. Difficult and impossible things get easier when people like you show up to help and a birth defect is no different. Such children and their families need a team to cheer and encourage them on. YOU are part of that team now, taking a greater stride to ensure the children are given a new life. We can't thank you enough.

Your donations are crucial to our work which means a child is transformed - who otherwise would be idle in a village with a bleak future. When we have donors such as you, there's a different story. That's the story we are bringing out in this report.

Birth defects make walking difficult or impossible for children. While it cannot be prevented, it can be corrected by identifying such children and using corrective devices such as:

• Ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) - support intended to control the position and motion of the ankle, compensate for weakness, or correct deformities.
• Supramalleolar Orthosis (SMO) - supports the foot just above the ankle bone or malleolus
• Heel raise sandal
• Doughnut Pillow
• Below knee Symes Prosthetics
• Both limbs Above kneeCaliper with wheel walker
• Hinged AFO
• Taylor's Brace
• Cervical collar
• and Knee brace to name a few.

Yeshwanth walks to school free of pain and shame

Five-year-old Yeshwanth wasn’t born into an ideal situation. His mother, Latha with weak health and being in a joint family was the target for her son’s disability. Either she was blamed or others ridiculed Yeshwanth. The father, working as a carpenter earned only when there was work.

When Yeshwanth, was born, they were sad to learn that he was born with birth defects - a condition that could prevent him from being able to walk or run freely like other children. “How sweet was to hold our newborn baby and feel the pride, and joy he gives. But it broke our hearts to learn that our baby wouldn’t be able to walk,” said an emotional latha.

His left leg was turned which needed corrective surgery. Soon after birth, Yeshwanth had undergone surgery for his left leg at the Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children. However, a child with birth defects needs assistive devices soon after the surgery to be mobile. Thankfully, Yeshwanth was able to find the follow-up treatment he needed through us. Additionally, these devices need to be replaced frequently. So far, we have replaced his AFO four times.

Today, when Yeshwanth walks to school, nobody mocks him. Instead, they exclaim, “Look at Yeshwanth, he is walking and running,”. We are overwhelmed with joy and a sense of peace. We are very hopeful that our son will study well and be independent. Thank you for supporting us. If not for you, we wouldn’t have been able to afford the corrective devices for the past four years and we do realize that Yeswath still needs this support.”

Yeshwanth says, "I'm very happy because I'm walking well, and I get to school without struggling.”

Donors such as you can create miracles in children like Yeshwanth. He can run, walk and be like any children of his age. Thank you for creating hope in such children.

Along with Yeshwanth, during January and February, we have supported 42 children by offering various corrective devices. They are enjoying a life that previously looked gloomy. Standing, running and playing seem so easy now - though there’s pain for little one wearing the corrective devices. However, the parents are given counselling and help to ensure they come back to us for replacement of devices.

All smiles because of you and we are ever thankful to you. Please forward this report to your friends and family members who might be keen to bring in a change in the lives of children with birth defects.

Thank you for standing with us!

With gratitude,

Sowmya Simhan