Mrs Lakhi Tripura : A Tale of Hope, Loss, and Compassion

Activity Serial No: LPT/ASN-1/004 | Project Type: Medical Treatment | Beneficiary: Mrs. Lakhi Tripura, 41y | Widow of: Late Tikkamani Tripura | Address: Chittamara, Belonia, South Tripura, India | Beneficiary Number: 3

In the heart of Chittamara, Belonia, South Tripura, a poignant story of resilience and compassion unfolded. Mrs. Lakhi Tripura, a 41-year-old breast cancer patient and the widow of the late Tikkamani Tripura, reached out to our organization amidst her medical battle. Her husband had tragically succumbed to lung cancer a few years prior, leaving her alone in the world, save for her two young children.

Lakhi’s first interaction with our team occurred on October 7, 2017, at the Regional Cancer Institute Agartala, where she sought assistance during the medical treatment of Zailian Kaipeng. She found herself in a dire situation, lacking both financial means and familial support.

Upon careful evaluation of her circumstances, we made the resolute decision to stand by Lakhi in her time of need. Our support extended beyond mere financial aid; it embraced emotional assistance as well. Recognizing the need for substantial funds to ensure her access to better medical treatment, we initiated a crowdfunding campaign on Milaap.

After a series of chemotherapy sessions, Lakhi was discharged from the cancer hospital. Medical professionals advised her to return for her next chemotherapy session within the week. Unfortunately, she failed to do so, leaving us deeply concerned. Our volunteers scoured her residential area for any trace of her whereabouts, but she had vanished without a trace. We even enlisted the help of a local stationary shop, leaving our contact details in the hope that someone might provide information.

Regrettably, we were compelled to halt our crowdfunding campaign due to the lack of updates regarding Lakhi’s condition.

On November 10, 2017, a month after her disappearance, we finally located Lakhi and readmitted her to the Regional Cancer Hospital. Concerned for her two children’s welfare, who had been left alone in the village, we brought them to Agartala as well.

When questioned about her month-long absence, Lakhi provided a heart-wrenching response: the neighbors and villagers had instilled fear in her, warning her against trusting strangers and involving herself with unfamiliar organizations. They had painted a bleak picture of abandonment and exploitation. Ultimately, she succumbed to these fears and fled her home in a desperate bid to escape our organization’s help.

Lakhi’s two children, Urmila Tripura (7y) and Rajmani Tripura (5y), were placed under our organization’s custody and found shelter with one of our members, Brother Budhilian Hrangkhawl, and his family. At this juncture, our organization faced a financial challenge, as we were newly established and assisting several other patients in need. Regrettably, the halted crowdfunding campaign meant we could not send Lakhi to a better-equipped medical facility.

After four months of arduous medical treatment at the cancer hospital in Agartala, on March 25, 2018, Lakhi was discharged. She was informed that her time was limited, and she was encouraged to enjoy life to the fullest in her remaining days. Tragically, on June 5, 2018, around 12:30 noon, after eight months of intensive treatment, Lakhi Tripura passed away, leaving behind her two young children, Urmila and Rajmani.

In tribute to Lakhi’s memory, our organization made the heartfelt decision to adopt Urmila and Rajmani to secure their bright futures. These two innocent children were embraced by our dedicated volunteers, each finding a loving home in different families. They were enrolled in residential English-medium schools, where they continued to excel academically.

As we gaze upon the path ahead, our hearts are filled with hope for Urmila and Rajmani. We also extend our gratitude to their kind-hearted new parents who have selflessly embraced them. Their futures shine brightly, a testament to the enduring spirit of compassion that binds our organization.