The Courage to Keep Going
Patient
India
Hello, my name is Sonali Sharma, I am 24 years old from India. I was diagnosed with Thalassaemia major at the age of 1, which requires me to receive blood transfusion every 2-3 weeks and take iron chelating agents.
In 2023, I earned my master’s degree in Environmental Sciences and achieved UGC NET and ICAR-JRF qualifications in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Currently, I am enrolled in a three-year integrated Teacher Education programme.
Life with Thalassaemia presents unrelenting challenges. For instance, in March 2022, I faced infective arthritis which necessitated knee biopsy surgery, followed by a diagnosis of hypothyroidism. This sequence of events left me bedridden for over four months. However, I held onto hope, made a robust recovery, and persevered to complete my master’s studies.
Despite these obstacles, I have been fortunate enough to have loving family and friends, who have helped me at every stage of my life and kept me stable. They are the pillars of my strength, and I am deeply grateful to have them in my life.
A powerful quote from the film “Five Feet Apart” resonates deeply with me: “When your disease steals something from you, have the courage to steal something back… Not for yourself but for those you cherish dearly.” Inspired by these words, I wish to impart a message: Give your best, savour every moment, and cherish the love that surrounds you.
