Photographer's Visit To Remote Village Brings Healthcare To Child With Rare Condition

There is nothing more joyous than becoming a parent, and nothing could shatter that joy more completely than discovering that child is sick and might not make it. This is what some parents have to experience, and many of them report prayer is an important part of working through the difficult road they're on. Prayer is a means of reflection and regeneration of precious energy, but what if that prayer was answered? What if the most impossible combination of fortunate events came to the rescue? Just such a thing happened for Roona Begum, and here is her story...

Going Where Most Never Would

Arindam Dey is an explorer of sorts and an artist of another sort. He travels to find the most captivating people, places and things to collect in photographs. He is an ambitious explorer with a sensitive eye and a charitable heart, which is how he was able to help a child who seemed to have no hope.

His Travels Brought Him Here

This small village in the state of Tripura, India, was home to a family needing extraordinary help in a nearly impossible situation. One of the village children was ill with a condition few medical professionals will ever see. It was Dey's photographs of the story that made help possible.

Roona Begum Wasn't Growing Up Like Kids Should

This little girl is named Roona Begum. She suffers from hydrocephalus, which is a condition that causes a buildup of fluid in the brain. Not only is this condition physically debilitating, but it is also mentally limiting and potentially fatal. 

Roona's parents are poor villagers with no education and no money. Dey was deeply touched by the girl's story and took several photos of the family. After he posted them online, the internet donated $62,000 for Roona's medical treatment.

Finally, Hope Arrives

The money Dey's photo series was able to collect got Roona appointments with the best doctors possible. The family traveled to New Delhi to finally get some real insight into the condition that baffled the town and so many who had heard about Roona.

A Thorough Examination

Dr. Sandeep Vaishya from the Fortis Memorial Research Institute took a close look at Roona's head to determine how much, if anything, could be done for the child. The skin on her head was tight with pressure from the swelling inside her head, and the doctor could tell there was much work to be done.

Doctors Worked Diligently 

It took 10 surgeries to bring Roona's head from 37 inches to 23 inches. This set of procedures was risky but proved to be the only way to save little Roona's life.

Roona Has Shown A Lot Of Progress Since Her Surgery

There was an immediate improvement in Roona's cognitive functioning after her surgery. Not only can she see and experience the world rather than lying helplessly, but Roona has also begun learning simple words. One step at a time! 

The whole story in the family's own words...

Roona's family has lived through a tremendous experience caring for their daughter. They explain in their own words (translated of course) the journey they have traveled and continue on.