The Courage of Lashmamma

In the bustling lanes of Ambethkar Nagar, Kangalapura, Bangalore, resides a beacon of strength and determination—Lashmamma, a 24-year-old woman embodying resilience. Born to Poojappa and Rajamma, agricultural laborers from a humble economic background, Lashmamma is the elder of two children. Her life took an unexpected turn at the age of 17, when a swelling emerged on her back, marking the beginning of a challenging journey.

Concerned about her well-being, her parents took her to Sparsh Hospital in Bangalore. The doctors, suspecting cancer, recommended a biopsy. The complexity of her condition led them to seek further expertise at Christian Medical College Hospital, Vellore. There, Dr. Vrisha Madhuri, a senior professor, diagnosed ashmamma with Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP), a rare and debilitating disease.
Lashmamma’s family, due to financial issues, couldn’t maintain regular medical visits despite her serious diagnosis. A home check-up on April 5, 2024, revealed a significant flare-up six months ago.

Lashmamma, without any hospital visits since, managed her pain with Dolonex 650 mg. Her CAJIS score was 11/30, showing severe mobility restrictions, especially in her upper limbs, but she could still walk and care for herself with her mother’s help.

Amid these challenges, Lashmamma’s spirit remains unbroken. She is currently in the final year of her B.com degree, adapting to her physical limitations by using her le elbow and both wrists to manage her studies. Her dreams extend beyond her graduation—she aspires to pursue a Masters in Commerce. Despite owning only an ordinary phone, which limits her access to digital resources, she remains determined to advance her education and career to support her family, who live in a modest kacha house.
Her father, no longer able to work due to age, and her mother, the sole breadwinner, manage the household and care for her intellectually challenged brother, who suffers from epilepsy. The family’s plight has not gone unnoticed. Mr. Sunil, a representative from the FOP trust, has committed to assisting Lashmamma in finding a part-time job and securing a smartphone through donations, recognizing her potential and the dire need for support.

Lashmamma’s story is one of immense courage and unyielding hope. As she navigates the complexities of her condition and the socioeconomic barriers, her community and
supporters stand by her, eager to see her succeed and break the chains of her circumstances. Her journey is not just her own but also a testament to the power of
community, resilience, and the human spirit’s capacity to triumph over adversity.