Sumona, 17, has the rare Wilson's disease for last nine years
For this Kolkata teenager, bedridden with a rare disease for last nine years, demonetisation has brought offers with many 'friends' coming forward to donate their 'black money' for her treatment - but with a rider - keep 30 per cent for medicines and return the rest in white.
Sumona, 17, has the rare Wilson's disease, caused by accumulation of copper in the liver and brain. Her parents, Kanan and Kakoli Pal have been running from pillar to post for last nine years to arrange cash for her medicines.
Sumona's father earns Rs 20,000 per month from a small printing press that he runs. His daughter's medicines cost 4,000 rupees a day. But he has turned the offers down.
Suddenly last week, at least three people made offers to the family.
"The offer was, they will give money in the bank account we have opened especially for our daughter. We can take 30 per cent for our daughter's treatment...the rest we have return to them in a few weeks," said Kanan Pal.
"Our income is about Rs 20-25,000 per month. My daughter's daily expense, including the medicine from overseas, comes to about Rs 4,000 per day but there is no question of using black money," said Kakali Pal.
Kanan Pal echoes her sentiment. "Even if it costs my daughter's treatment, we will not touch black money, that's our promise."
Netherlands based Wilson's Disease Association has just sent Sumona free tablets for four months. After that, family will restart their struggle to arrange money for the same.
If you wish to help the girl, Sumona, you can make a contribution. Please find the account details below:
Account No : 33025084252
Account Name: Kakali Pal
State Bank of India
Dum Dum Road Branch, Kolkata
Branch Code No 12373
IFSC: SBIN0012373
Contact Number: 8902692776/ 9432583273