Udupi: Deeksha Shettigar is a bubbly girl like any other girl of her age group. But the only difference between her and the rest of her peer group is that she is suffering from a disorder named Achondroplasia, which affects bone growth resulting in dwarfism. Deeksha is three feet and nine inches tall.
Deeksha was born to Hemalatha from Kappettu in Ambalpady and was a premature child. However her father Sridhar Shettigar deserted her mother and his baby very soon and left them to fend for themselves, Deeksha’s grandparents and uncle came to their help. Both the mother and daughter were receiving total maintenance of Rs 2000 from their father every month, but it is not in sight since the past few months. Hemalatha says she needs at least Rs 500 eery month for Deeksha’s treatment.
Though Deeksha is otherwise normal, her stunted growth means she would be facing spinal stenosis and spinal cord compression which creates problems often, Hemalatha says she keeps falling further adding to problems.
Deeksha studied in Cecily’s School and now has passed SSLC exams and wants to study further and become a lawyer. There is a need for kind hearted donors to help Deeksha realize her dream in life.