Family seeks help for son

Thursday, June 15, 2006


Rabind Narayan ... sits among the work of his hands in his boat yard

THE family of a 19-year-old boy that is continuing to lose his sight over time has pleaded for public assistance.

The Prakash family of Tavua has placed the fate of their youngest son, Nischal Sharma Prakash, in the arms of the public as they search for funds to send him abroad for a surgery that would save his vision.

On January 4, after complaining of pain in his eyes, Nischal traveled to Lautoka Hospital for a routine examination when he was diagnosed with Keratoconus of both eyes.

Nischal, who had dreamt to become a joiner, was informed that unless he traveLled abroad for treatment, he would completely lose his vision by the end of the year.

Doctor Cecilio Redoblado of the hospital's Eye Department also informed Nischal that he required corneal transplants if he were to ever regain his sight.

At the moment, Nischal has lost all vision in his left eye while vision in the right eye has become blurred.

Nischal's father, Jaswendra Prakash said he just wanted to see his son enjoy a normal life that other 19-year-olds in the country had.

Mr Prakash said as a young child, Nischal loved sports like soccer so it was really hard on him when he started losing his sight.

He said Nischal even had to drop out of school as a result of the loss of vision.

He said they had already made inquiries and found out that it would be cost efficient to travel to India for the surgery.

However, Mr Prakash said he could not afford the $40,000 required for all expenses.

"There have been other people in Tavua that travelled to India for the same treatment and they informed me that it was cheaper than other countries like Australia and New Zealand."

"We want to send our son as soon as possible but we do not have any money. We have done some fundraising but only managed to raise $500," he said.

"We have also sent out our requests for assistance to major organisations but are yet to receive any response," said Mr Prakash.

Mr Prakash, who secured a permit to conduct collections throughout the western Division, said he would now resort to house-to-house visits to search for funds to help his son.

Mr Prakash said they would start their collections in Tavua before moving right across the west to Sigatoka.

For those willing to donate for Nischal's surgery, could donate proceeds to the ANZ account: 08762642.

FROM: http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=43271