Saba with her mother Nazia.
The Maximum City has shown the maximum support to Saba Tarikh Ahmed, a 15-year-old from Pakistan's Karachi district, who is suffering from a rare, genetic disorder called Wilson's disease. The disease occurs as a result of accumulation of copper in the body, slowly resulting in degeneration of organs like the liver and brain.
The treatment so far cost around Rs 2 lakh, of which a chunk came from donation by Mumbaikars. Saba's mother Nazia says it was after her sister appealed for help on social media, they received such overwhelming support.
"We had Rs 3-4 lakh, but it got reduced to Rs 80,000 in conversion. I was going to leave for Karachi, but we got help from complete strangers in the city who donated over Rs.1.5 lakh for Saba's treatment," Nazia said.
The family received help from not just social workers and well-wishers but even from doctors at the Jaslok Hospital in south Mumbai, where Saba is being treated. People's generosity and doctors' co-operation have given Saba a new lease of life.
"People told me not to tell anyone I was from Pakistan, but I didn't want to lie. I knew the doctors in India were good and I had faith that they would treat my daughter, but the kind of love and affection Hindustan has showered us with is touching," added Nazia.
Doctors too have assured her of all possible help. "We will see the treatment through. Lack of funds will not come in the way," said Dr Tarang Gyanchandani, CEO of Jaslok Hospital.
"We have raised some funds at an individual level to ensure that money doesn't come in the way of Saba's treatment," added Dr Abha Nagral, who is treating Saba.
Saba's health is better now but doctors say the treatment will take some time.