BELAGAVI: A couple surrendered their sick son to Miraculous Cross in Nandagad as a last resort of hope of his survival on Tuesday. Thanks to the report published in Wednesday’s TOI edition, a charity group from Belagavi has approached the couple and have taken the responsibility of further treatment of the boy.
Three months ago, eight-year-old Shailesh Satravi lost control over his body, following an intense fever. He has been almost in a coma. Since his father is a daily wage worker, people Ambarda in Joida taluk of Uttar Kannada district and many organizations have financially helped the family to treat the body.
So far, the couple have spent more than Rs 13 lakh for the treatment of their son, but in vain. After doctors in Hubballi told them that there was no treatment left for the boy, as a last resort, the couple took the boy to Nandagad and laid him at the foot of Miraculous Cross. They returned to their native place in the evening after conducting prayer.
After reading the TOI report on the family’s struggles, Facebook Friends’ Circle, a group of social activists and philanthropists approached the couple. The group headed by Santosh Darekar arranged an ambulance and brought the boy and his parents to Belagavi on Wednesday.
“We have taken the responsibility of the boy's treatment, irrespective of his condition. The boy has been admitted in Yash Hospital on Khanapur Road and treatment is on now,” Santosh Darekar told TOI. Darekar said doctors have said the boy’s chances of survival is 20%. “We will try our best” he said.
“We are 10,000 members in our Facebook Friends’ Circle’ group, engaged in charity and social service for the past 11 years. We don’t collect funds from outsiders but we ourselves donate to needy people. We are doing it as a passion. Most of us donate blood in emergency situations. I am proud to say our group saved 149 people during Covid-19 pandemic,” Darekar said.
