Privarshan’s plight pulls on community’s heartstrings
His plight has pulled on many heartstrings, but who will dare to care?
A mother often dreams of her children leading idealistic lives, free from pain and suffering.
Prinda Pillay is no different, yet she is forced to watch her 11-year-old live in pain on a daily basis.
“My greatest difficulty is seeing my son’s pain and being totally helpless to help him. Some nights, I lie awake in bed, too scared to sleep in case I wake up and Privarshan is gone.”
Privarshan is 11-years-old and suffers from lupus, suffering immense pain on a regular basis.
Due to the lupus affecting his joints, Privarshan is forced to wear a corset to school as his spine is extremely weak.
However, he cannot wear it to bed and this left him in agony.
Mrs Pillay asked the community if someone could donate a bed, so Privarshan could sleep in ease.
Mrs Pillay’s prayers were answered virtually immediately.
“A wonderful woman delivered a special bed which would support Privarshan’s spine. She didn’t want her name mentioned, but I know she was with Helping Hands. I would like to thank her and Helping Hands from the bottom of my heart.”
Assistance did not end there.
Faizel and Razia Cassim from Northern Natal Motorsports have also embarked on a mission to ensure Privarshan’s days of suffering ended.
Mr and Mrs Cassim shared Privarshan’s story through social media in an attempt to get him the necessary help.
“We see it as our duty to help the community, and as we have a lot of friends across the country, we shared the story as much as possible,” Mr Cassim said.
Through their tireless efforts, the Cassims will be bringing a specialised hospital bed to Privarshan in two weeks time.
“Friends of ours from Durban, Carusha and Mohammed Jaffer, were touched by Privarshan’s plight and not only ordered the bed, but are paying for it as well,” Mr Cassim said.
This will mean Privarshan can alternate between the two sponsored beds and not have to sleep in discomfort anymore.
However, while Privarshan will now be able to sleep in comfort, he does face other difficulties in his daily life.
“Privarshan gets cold easily and needs warmer clothes and shoes,” Mrs Pillay said.
Mrs Cassim said as she dealt with cancer patients in the past, she knew that Privarshan would also require special foods.
“Due to his treatment, he is unable to eat solid foods. He needs soups, yoghurts and medication,” she said.
Determined to aid Privarshan on the road of healing, Northern Natal Motorsport is launching a project to raise funds and collect clothing, food and medicines for the 11-year-old.
“We will also need to get him bi-carbonated soda and glycerine, as chemotherapy causes sores in a patient’s mouth and the bi-carbonated soda and glycerine will help ease the pain,” she said.
Community members who would like to contribute to the cause either financially can contact Razia Cassim on 074 285 0234.
Newcastillians can also donate money to the following bank account:
Northern Natal Motorsport
Standard Bank
Newcastle Mall
Branch Code: 07027
Account number: 271970278
Cell: 074 285 0234
Reference: Privarshan Pillay
Residents can drop off vegetables, soups and long life milk at the Newcastle Advertiser offices, which will go to Privarshan. To donate food at the Newcastle Advertiser, Quinton Boucher can be contacted on 084 240 1210.
Newcastle Oval Track will also be contributing to aiding Privarshan.
On May 7, the Oval Track will be dedicating its monthly night of racing to Privarshan.
The entrance fee will be increased from R30 to R35 for the night. The extra R5 in the fees will be going towards purchasing food and medication for him.
“We feel as the community always supports us, it will be good to give back, especially to a child who is sick,” said Boet Buys, chairperson of the Oval Track committee.
“I just want to thank everybody who has already helped us and who is willing to help us,” Mrs Pillay sobbed; “I just want to help my child and see that he stays healthy.”
