Case Story: Shobha Pawara

Shobha Pawara, 42, from Son BK village in Nandurbar, began experiencing persistent oral pain, later diagnosed as oral cancer. She underwent jaw surgery, with a metal pin inserted for stabilization and planned removal. Around the same time, she developed epileptic seizures, further complicating her recovery and daily functioning.

Post-surgery, Shobha’s restricted jaw movement affected her nutrition and speech. When our team enrolled her in our care, we realized that her son’s epilepsy added to the family’s strain, and financial hardship delayed the metal pin’s removal. Her husband struggled with caregiving. During this time, KeSVF’s Field Team (FT) members Dasharath and Shailendra visited Shobha regularly, and ensured that our consultant doctor saw her too. They encouraged the family to prioritize the strip removal while continuing to support them.

In July 2025, Shobha fell while working in the field, dislodging the metal strip in her jaw. This prompted the family to prioritize surgery. The Field Team swiftly facilitated her admission to Chinchpada Christian Hospital, and the pin was surgically removed. During her hospital stay, Shobha’s son had an epileptic episode late at night. Our nurse helped by staying with the boy at the Rural Hospital till he was well enough to be sent home.Thanks to individual donors mobilized by KeSVF, costs of Shobha’s hospitalization were covered without delay. Post-surgery, she was advised liquid food and rest. Shobha’s husband, once overwhelmed with anxiety and fatigue, expressed deep gratitude to the team for their steady support through the family’s troubled times.