Anu's Story
Who abandons a child? Especially one with itellectual disabilties who cannot fend for herself? Anu’s story is not uncommon in the India of today. Such heartless, immoral behaviour continues and is the reason why Sri Arunodayam exists today. Abandoned when she was a toddler, the public found Anu and admitted her to the Children’s Hospital, Egmore. After being treated for around four days, Anu was handed over to ChildLine and then to us through the Child Welfare Committee.
Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and profound intellectual disability, Anu was immediately started on a nutritious diet together with physiotherapy as she was unable to move on her own. From a bedridden state, we watched Anu make steady progress as years rolled by. She is 12 today, and a good diet with exercise has helped her become mobile. We see that she’s beginning to get along with everyone and enjoying herself. Anu has just started speaking a few words like “amma” and “appa”. We are honored that she thinks we are her parents. She loves toys and a bag of colorful beads is all it takes to keep her happy! Anu can even manage a “high five”.
Investing in early childhood nutrition and care is a surefire strategy for good health. The returns are incredibly high, and this is our experience with Anu and other children like her in our care.
