A 71-year-old mother of three, Chandra Wati, urgently requires public assistance to fund a crucial knee replacement surgery that could dramatically improve her mobility. This former farmer from Suva has been advised by medical experts that any delay in her bilateral knee replacement, scheduled for March 27 in India, may result in irreversible loss of mobility and severe health issues. The family is seeking $30,000 to ensure the surgery goes ahead on time.
Chandra’s niece, Bindiya Rashni, highlighted the extensive toll that years of labor on the farm have taken on Chandra’s knees. “She worked the farm alone for years; every day her feet were in the water, in the mud. Now, at her age, her knees have deteriorated significantly,” noted Rashni. Medical reports reveal severe degeneration in both knees, leading to Chandra becoming semi-bedridden and reliant on strong pain relief to manage her discomfort.
Describing the severity of her aunt’s condition, Rashni stated, “The pain is excruciating—like bone grinding against bone.” Chandra struggles to navigate her home, often needing to grasp onto walls for support just to reach the bathroom. Her life has been marked by adversity, including the loss of her husband and eldest son in 2003. Despite these challenges, she worked tirelessly in agriculture to support her remaining children and ensure their education.
Chandra’s children had previously come together to fund her cancer treatment in India, exhausting their savings in the process. “All her children collected money for her cancer treatment, and that is why we are now pleading with the public for help,” Rashni explained.
Chandra’s daughter, Shoma Nand, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “If she doesn’t have movement, one illness will lead to another. We don’t want her to be stuck in bed for the rest of her life.” The family’s appeal is not just about securing funds for surgery but restoring Chandra’s independence and improving her quality of life. This situation underscores the critical role of community support in navigating difficult times, as the family’s hope for Chandra’s future hinges on the generosity of others.