Sheila Ramanujam
Age : 74
Two years ago, Sheila Ramanujam, a former acclaimed classic dancer, faced a daunting reality. At the age of 74, she learned that she would be the caregiver for her 48-year-old son, Sunder, who came from the US diagnosed with MND and ailing. Sunder, an IIT Kharagpur alumnus, had pursued higher studies in the US and settled in Silicon Valley. His life unfolded according to plan until the age of 42 when tragedy struck—his wife left him for a colleague, and custody battles ensued over their three daughters.
Ravaged by MND, Sunder, now a mere shadow of his former self, found solace in Sheila’s care. At 74, she made significant sacrifices to accommodate Sunder in her three-bedroom house, making numerous adaptations like a special chair, hospital cot, rails, and an oxygen concentrator. Sheila, determined to maintain Sunder’s well-being, arranged for round-the-clock home nurses. Despite the challenges, Sheila reflects on her decision to care for Sunder at home, stating, “If we’d have left him in the Skilled Nursing Facility, he wouldn’t be here at all now – and that’s not because they were unkind, they just didn’t realise how delicate he was. But at the moment, he’s wonderful.” She continues to seek alternative ways to enhance her quality of life while attending to Sunder’s needs.
In her unwavering dedication, Sheila acknowledges, “I prayed to God that I wouldn’t regret my decision to keep him. And I have to say, I love him more today than I did 17 years ago. I’ve never ever regretted my decision. I adore him.”
Takeaway
Rare disease MND, Wife abandons husband in sickness, Aged mother providing dedicated care for her disabled son, Forbids institutiobnalization.
