Shanta A., 15

Fifteen-year-old Shanta Akter is a gentle, hopeful girl who loves cooking and helping her mother, but her dreams have been crushed by the family’s extreme poverty since her father, Mintu Gazi, died when she was only six. Her mother, Sahina Begum, has no income, and her two brothers, Nazmul (22) and Naim (17), work as mason helpers, earning just 8,000 Taka a month to support everyone living together in a tiny tin house on a relative’s land. With only a public pit latrine and common tube well for basic needs, the family struggles even to afford daily food, making the cost of Shanta’s urgent eye surgery impossible. Shanta’s left eye is now threatened by Dermolymphoma, and without treatment, she could permanently lose her vision—ending her dreams of becoming independent and helping her family. Her family and Helpster’s counselor, Nasima Akter, now appeal to kind donors to save Shanta’s sight and her future.

Shanta Akter, a 15-year-old girl, required excision surgery for dermolymphoma in her left eye as the condition was causing discomfort and affecting her vision. The surgery was successfully performed under anesthesia by Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain Sk, Chief Consultant of the Hospital. The treatment went smoothly, and Shanta responded well during the recovery period under close medical supervision. After the surgery, she felt much more comfortable and her visual acuity improved significantly. She can now see clearly, and her family is very grateful for the successful outcome. Special thanks to Helpster Charity and Helpster Heroes for supporting her treatment and helping restore her vision.

According to Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain Sheikh, Chief Consultant, and Dr. Md. Rashedur Rahman Talukder, Senior Consultant at Mazharul Haque BNSB Eye Hospital, Chandpur, Shanta requires immediate surgical intervention to remove the Dermolymphoma in her left eye. The doctors have given a positive prognosis, explaining that early surgery can save her vision and prevent further damage. They warned, however, that any delay could cause irreversible blindness in the affected eye, and her condition could worsen beyond repair. The estimated cost of BDT 22,500 includes the surgery, medication, and necessary follow-up visits. Both specialists have assured that with prompt treatment, Shanta can lead a normal life, continue her education if possible, and regain her lost confidence. But without help, her family cannot afford even the first step of this vital treatment.