Because of the generosity of faithful partners like you, Vasantha’s story is one of hope restored. At ten years old, she started attending Christ for All feeding center, a Back2Back-partnering organization. It started as a shared meal with her peers and occasional tutoring, and it transformed into a life-changing journey. Today, she is 20 years old and looks back on a decade marked by illness, perseverance, faith, and unwavering support of safe adults who refused to walk away. 

At a very young age, she lost her father, and her mother was unable to care for her on her own. Her grandmother moved in with them, and together, the three women did their best to build a life. They adjusted without her father as best they could, but she began to lose weight rapidly, fighting weakness and fatigue daily. Doctors ran many tests on her, with the help and aid of Back2Back support, and they finally diagnosed a life-threatening lung infection. 

“When we received the final diagnosis, we immediately stepped in,” shared Goldie Karnati, Back2Back India Director. “She had a communicable disease, and in India it can spread quickly; often those diagnosed are treated poorly, due to fear surrounding its spread.”  

Back2Back staff decided to take her to the hospital for treatment, trusting they would be protected from contracting it, to get Vasantha the help she needed. Once she arrived, doctors shared grave concerns about her surviving, as she was at stage four of the disease, continually losing weight, and struggling to walk or breathe on her own.  

“We began praying with ferocity,” explained Goldie. “She needed aid and safe people surrounding her to truly get better. We prayed for a miracle, and it was provided through a group of Christian nurses at the hospital.”

For three months, she was at the hospital, receiving treatment, connecting with nurses when she was strong enough to sit up and talk, and the Back2Back staff team diligently visited and prayed over her. She grew in strength over time, gaining weight back, and her doctors found her strong enough to return home, to normal life. Staff checked in daily, ensuring she was eating nutritious meals and keeping up with her treatments from home. The family was provided with milk, eggs, and high-protein foods to continue bolstering her strength.

Six months of remaining inside and receiving the treatment she needed to recover finally came to a close, and staff went with her to her final check-up. She was officially free of the illness, having beat the odds in making a full recovery! In tandem with celebration was lingering concern and doubt – she had missed six months of schooling, feeling ill-prepared for final exams.  

Through diligent work and prayer, staff saw Vasantha return to the bright, eager student she had once been, and they also watched as her mother slowly became a different, healthier version of herself. She was able to care for her daughter, taking care of household chores, and socializing with staff on their visits. 

Following as much preparation as she could manage and prayer for assistance, she took her final exams, and days later, a call came from the principal of the school.

“He called in excitement and shock, sharing that not only did she pass her exam, she scored the highest marks in the entire school!” shared Goldie. Vasantha went on to junior college, the equivalent of Junior and Senior years of high school, and is now in her final semester at university while she interns with a software company. “She has grown into a hardworking, wise, mature young woman,” explained Goldie. “She is a marvel, and we are so grateful for the story being written for her by a gracious Father.”

Back2Back staff do not know what Vasantha’s life would look like right now, without the faithful, dedicated service of the adults in her life. She is a young woman with big dreams, she speaks excellent English, excels at communication, and is an active participant in her community, as well as volunteering with Hope Program students who are just beginning. 

Vasantha is a testament to what safe adults, consistent environments, and access to medical care can do. Without your consistent support and advocacy for children, teens, and families in India, Vasantha may not have a story to share today. But she does – she is a walking testament to proper healthcare, advocacy in action, and faithful, safe adults.

Together, we can help youth all around the world forge new paths and write narratives their families have never before known. Let’s continue in this valuable work, alongside one another, until every child is known & loved.