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Random acts of kindness, fundraising and donations from the community are supporting a severely-ill musician as he battles against cancer.
A Good Samaritan started an online request to collect donations for Navin Tamang, 47, who plays bass trombone in the popular Ministry of Interiors Band, wife Sujata, 42, and their two sons, university student Dikyashi, 21, and Dikchn, 14.
The Indian family had been living in Manama for more than 14 years as tragedy struck when Navin was diagnosed with stage three cancer and the medical prognosis was that he had only three months to live. Their whole world collapsed as they swiftly made arrangements to return home to India for treatment.
Word spread of their plight and within two days BD1,250 was collected and deposited in Sujata’s bank account to be used for her trip and towards medical and accommodation expenses.
Sujata said: “I was shocked to see so many people who I don’t even know offering to help. My friends and the community had given their support and I am very thankful. But I had no idea that others were working together to make sure my husband receives the treatment he needs. I am forever grateful to all who contributed. Thank you so much.
“I hope and pray that Navin responds and gets back to full fitness and health so that we can all return to Bahrain.”
Sujata and Navin this week left for India. Flight tickets were provided by the ministry and their youngest son will stay in Bahrain with friends until the Indian School term ends.
Apollo Hospital in Chennai has received all the medical documents and have welcomed Navin’s case. However, it insisted on a BD600 down payment before admitting him.
Sujata said: “We don’t know how we were going to make all the payments and cover the cost of our stay in the area. But these generous donations are giving us a chance, a start on that journey.
“I try to stay positive for my husband’s sake but the minute I am away from him I feel the pressure and the fear. My sons have been of great support for me and so have friends. But I still worry about how we will manage any additional medical expenses.”
Sujata, who worked as a part-time behaviour technician at the Alia School for Early Intervention with autistic children, urges others not to waste time and seek medical help as soon as they suspect something is wrong. She said: “Do not wait. Even if you think it’s a simple cough – go get it checked.”
Navin had been complaining of a dry cough for five months and eventually felt breathless and drained. Medics at Salmaniya Medical Complex at first thought he was suffering from tuberculosis. He was placed in quarantine but further tests uncovered a 5cm cancerous growth on the right side of his lung
* For those wishing to support Sujata and her family, email vinayan10@gmail.com
