Following
His Dreams
Illustration by Samuel Castano
Chandan’s home is in southwestern Nepal, near the border with India. Born with a complex bone deformity that affected his legs, he was barely able to walk. Embarrassed to go to school, he preferred to stay at home where he felt lonely and depressed. When his dad’s friend told the family our mobile medical camp was coming to his village, he wavered. Deep down, Chandan believed nothing could ever be done for his condition. But hesitantly, he agreed to try.
Arriving at the camp awkward and nervous, he sensed he had nothing to lose. After a careful examination, we gave him the exciting news that we could treat him, explaining it would take several surgeries and hard work with physiotherapy. Chandan was astonished.
At our hospital in Banepa Chandan spent three months undergoing multiple surgeries to both legs. While he worked hard during physiotherapy, he also challenged himself at the HRDC School in the hospital complex, successfully completing Grade 9! Being surrounded by other children undergoing treatment, Chandan’s life opened up. He experienced the love, acceptance, and hope that infuses all of our work. Chandan can now walk independently, is going to high school, and is in a local band! His dreams for the future? He wants to become a successful lawyer.
