In the quiet town of Morbi, Gujarat, lives 12-year-old Asthaben Mewa, a spirited and resilient young girl with Down syndrome. From an early age, Astha faced challenges with strength and coordination, but she defied the odds and began walking at the age of three, gradually gaining independence with each step. For many years, she was able to walk and play like any other child.
However, when she turned 10, a heartbreaking turn of events changed everything. The veins in her legs began to dry up, and by age 12, she had lost all strength in her legs, rendering her unable to stand or walk. Despite undergoing neurosurgery in Rajkot, her condition showed no signs of improvement. Suddenly, a once-mobile Astha found herself confined, and her world seemed to shrink overnight.
Without the ability to move independently, Astha’s life came to a standstill. Her parents, full of love and determination, did everything they could—but carrying a growing child everywhere became increasingly difficult and emotionally taxing.
That’s when VOSAP stepped in with a transformative intervention. In February 2023, VOSAP provided Astha with a wheelchair—a simple device that reopened her world.
Now, Astha can move around independently, explore her surroundings, and even enjoy outings with her family. The wheelchair has restored dignity and ease for both Astha and her parents. No longer restricted to the four walls of her home, Astha now participates in life again—with a smile and a sense of freedom.
This wheelchair has not only improved her mobility but has also uplifted the spirits of an entire family. Astha’s story is a powerful reminder that small acts of support can create big waves of change, and with the right tools, every child—regardless of ability—can live a life filled with opportunity, movement, and joy.
