#Act of Kindness

Part 2 – A young mom stands tall, thanks to her community’s unwavering support

Radhika Wijesekera
September 17, 2024

“It’s bearable only because of my community” says Wasanthi

To Read the Part 1

Wasanthi was the victim of a horrific road accident in June last year, where a bus mowed her down as she was walking on the road. She was left with a severely injured leg, which ultimately needed to be amputated. She spent no less than a month in hospital to recover; followed by twice-weekly visits to the hospital after being discharged, to clean and treat the wound.

She hails from the town of Polpithigama, in the Kegalle district. Hers is one of around 50 households in this very special town where everybody had instantly rallied around to help Wasanthi and her husband Janaka to manage their lives. While the principal, teachers and parents from her son’s school ensured that her young son never had to miss a day of school, or that he needed to go hungry because his mother was not at home to prepare his meals; the community quickly raised Rs 1.2 million to fund a top-quality, German-made artificial limb with which to get back on her feet.

It is now 14 months since her life was forever changed. How is she doing? How much has she had to adjust to maintain a normal, functional, useful existence? How are her husband and son coping with their wife and mother’s mobility limitations? We spoke to Wasanthi to find out, and this is what she had to say.

“The people of Polpithigama were incredible. The amount of support that they provided us from the time that I met with the accident all the way to today, shows the amount of care and concern that they have towards us. They were quick to organise and mobilise fund collections for the prosthetic, which was recommended by a nurse who is also from the same town.

“I always knew that my community is filled with very good people; but when they started collecting this large amount of money that was needed for the prosthetic, I truly understood the mettle that they are built from.

“We needed almost Rs. 900,000 for the prosthetic, which is an amount that my husband and I just couldn’t afford. But the Polpithigama community raised Rs. 1.2 million within 1 month of the first call for funds being sent out. It was incredible. I am fortunate to be in the midst of such wonderful people,” she said.

Wasanthi ran a small grocery store out of their home, which she is managing again today. She says she still feels a little unsteady and unsure of herself while using the prosthetic, as she is mentally aware that her leg isn’t really there to keep her from falling. But with the help of her family, friends, neighbours and villagers, she is slowly but steadily getting used to becoming more and more independent with just the prosthetic.

“The people of Polpithigama are completely selfless, and have given me a second chance at life. I will forever be grateful to this wonderful community,” she added.

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