Episode 1 : The Chemical Warrior. (Real Warriors n Startup Stars Series)

DISCLAIMER: SAD BEGINNING AND A HAPPY ENDING !

Few years back, in December ,I completed Sandhakphu Himalayan Trek and landed on the last camp Rimbik. Since I got mobile network after 3 days, I excitedly called parents.Unlike everytime when parents would be double excited to receive my call, this time there was cold response. My query of ' Is everything alright?' was ignored. My intuition was right, my childhood friend Sarala's father had passed away. 

Sarala a Chemistry M.Sc holder, stood strong by her family, ultra busy with her teaching career and P.hd research, she managed to swallow her sadness. Few months later, I got to know that her brother Girish Anna is unwell and needs AB +ve blood. Since my blood group is the same too, I offered to donate blood the next morning. I was late, Girish Anna decided to leave this world.

Time passed by, Immaterial of what happened, Sarala's hard working nature both at home and at work was a big inspiration. Lockdown began, Sarala told me that she is getting bored at home and also experiencing fatigue. I consoled her saying boredom is common during these tough times. I did not address the fatigue part.But, In my head I laughed out loud. For,her energy levels and hard work have set such high standards that, my parents have adviced me atleast a dozen of times to learn from her and be more hardworking :D 

Small bundles of happiness started coming in her life. Govt. Job came by too. Seemed like bad days were coming to an end. Suddenly an uninvited guest called Acute Myloid Leukemia(AML) entered her life. She seemed mentally strong and confident and said , "Doctors told me that since age is on my side, I can fight it". I tried to second that thought ,came home and tried to google about AML . This made me realise that 'Ignorance is Bliss', it's better to stay ignorant than to google and loose confidence.

Sarala was not ignorant, her chemistry and basic sciences knowledge kept her close to reality. Now was this a bliss or not is something best known to her. Physically, mentally, financially, emotional draining experience, yet ,she fought. 

 Yet again AB +ve blood was needed. Yet again I offered to donate. She told me to be ready to donate in case of emergency. I am glad the emergency never arrived. Her students and friends and family arranged for ~100 bottles of blood in these few months. HB level raised from 4 to double digit. Inspite of such a crisis , she also helped other patients at the hospital to get blood when needed. Epitome of kindness I would say.

A good appetite which dropped to just 1 cup of poridge ( Ganji) per day, again got back to normal. Many months of hospitalization , few days of isolation which must have felt like jail, to back to home is an inspiring journey. 

From difficulty to get up from bed, to start moving around, joining Yoga classes, aerobics and getting back to work is the greatest comeback which has brought happy tears in the eyes of many loved ones. 

A Comeback in Style and with a Bang  :) 

This is Sarala's motivating story from my perspective.Keeping the blog short as I  wait for her to write her own experiences in her blog and motivate many many people......