The New Year is looking brighter for Sunita Persaud, the woman who was pinned by a fallen tree at Success squatting area, as her condition begins to slowly improve.
The woman’s daughter Nafeeza Persaud, when contacted, told Stabroek News that several persons came forward and provided the family with much needed assistance. She explained that through donations they have received the recommended type of mattress that was necessary in assisting her mother to sit up.
She stated that they are gradually adjusting the settings, which is greatly contributing to her mother’s comfort.
On October 23, Sunita was among a group of women in the Success squatting area who were preparing to cook when a tree fell on the shed they were under.
As a result of the accident, she suffered a fractured skull, injuries to her spine, ribs, and a broken leg.
A police report had said that the accident occurred around 2.10 pm in the canefields of the Success backlands, where several persons were sitting in a makeshift structure on a dam.
Her relatives remain hopeful that her condition will continue to improve.
Sunita was recently reunited with her family after a seven-week stay at the Georgetown Public Hospital.
However, she is currently unable to speak although she communicates by using hand gestures and the movement of her lips. She is also being fed solely liquids by use of a straw.
Even though Sunita’s spine is not yet fully healed, the new progress gives the family optimism that she will eventually be able to walk again.
Nafeeza disclosed that based on the medical report given at Sunita’s last clinic visit, the bone specialist has indicated that there was independent movement in both hands and feet, which the doctor deemed as improvements.
She added that another report has indicated that there is no swelling or bleeding in Sunita’s brain, which is also considered an improvement.
However, the woman said, doctors remain concerned about Sunita’s difficulty to breathe and have decided to remove the tracheostomy tube for 24 hours to determine if she will be able to breathe on her own through her mouth or nose.
If the exercise fails, the woman noted that the alternative will be to replace the tube. The tube was originally inserted to assist the woman with breathing but there seems to be some blockage somewhere along the tube.
Nafeeza disclosed that her mom had opted to move to the Success squatting area in hopes of providing betterment for herself and family.
She said that in the past they had taken up residence on a section of her grandfather’s land but were thrown off by a close relative who resides overseas through a court order, leaving them homeless.
Her mother, in attempt to place a roof over her family’s head, decided to build a home on the middle walk dam in Industry, but later pursued the idea to relocate to Success.
In spite of the many challenges the family faces, Sunita continues to cope as her condition slowly changes for the better.
Nafeeza said she is grateful to God for her mother’s improvement and thankful for the continued intervention of concerned citizens.
Yesterday the woman shared that they had received a hamper from Congress Place, essential toiletries from citizens, a wheel chair from social media personality ‘Selfie Boss,’ and more.
Meanwhile, unlike their routine New Year celebrations, this year will be one with a difference as they plan to stay in and appreciate the joy of having made it to another year surrounded by family.
She explained that in the past, her mom would prepare food and host a family-and-close-friends ‘get together’, since she enjoyed having her loved ones around.
Nafeeza is hoping that the New Year will bring her family some form of normalcy and a walking mom.
