Laxmi is a mother of three children. She works 12 hours a day as a kitchen assistant in a hotel in Kathmandu, Nepal. A few years ago, she started having stomach pains which became so severe that she would almost faint. Her husband wanted to take her to a doctor but did not have enough money to pay for her diagnosis.
After Laxmi and her family joined the BSF Dhapakhel project, they were given the opportunity to undergo a free full medical checkup, provided by BSF. Laxmi, her husband and three children, and all the other BSF families from Dhapakhel, went to a medical clinic for their health checkup.
Laxmi did a few lab tests and consulted with the doctor but received some bad news. After looking at the reports, the doctor presumed she had uterine cancer and recommended Laxmi visit a gynaecologist.
After visiting a gynaecologist, Laxmi was required to undergo further lab tests which were going to be very expensive. Her family would not have been able to pay for these. She didn’t know what to do. Laxmi decided to share her situation with BSF staff who recommended that she take the required medical tests and BSF would cover those costs for her family.
Laxmi then undertook the tests and was so grateful for the support of BSF, but also fearful for what the results may be and the thought that she may have cancer. After waiting a few days, her medical report came back and Laxmi again went to visit the doctor. This time, the test results told a different story. The doctor assured her that it was not cancer but an infection. Nonetheless, her condition could have been very dangerous if it remained undiagnosed for a long period of time. The doctor prescribed Laxmi with some medicine and all the costs were covered by BSF.
After receiving her medicine and returning from the doctor, Laxmi said, “I was going through so much pain for so long. Most of the time I could not perform my daily duties. I used to cry every time I was in pain. I always wanted to consult a doctor but we didn't have enough money to go. My husband used to blame himself for not being able to provide the money we needed for my treatment. But Building Strong Families provided me with this opportunity to undergo a full medical checkup so that my condition could be diagnosed. Now, with the medicine I have received, I am relieved of so much pain and thankful to BSF for the great support they have provided me and for caring for my health. I will never forget what this project and its staff have done for me”.
BSF would not have been able to help Laxmi and many other BSF families with their health if it wasn't for the generous giving of our amazing donor-partners. On behalf of Laxmi, and many others like her, we would like to thank those of you who have provided for the health and holistic needs of our families.
BSF is also working with Laxmi and her husband to establish sustainable livelihood support so they will have more than enough to pay for all the needs of their family in the future.
BSF is a partner for project J1079 & J1102 with Australian NGO, Global Development Group (ABN 57 102 400 993). Donations to BSF through GlobHowal Development Group are tax deductible in Australia, NZ, and the USA.