Case Stories
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Mahesh Gharti, a 4-year-old boy, came to Sundar Dhoka Saathi Sewa (SDSS) with his father, Ganesh Gharti, from Karnali Province (Western Rukum). A little boy with a cute and cheerful face, Mahesh was diagnosed with ACHD, Sinus Venous ASD, PAPVC, PLVC, and Severe TR — serious heart conditions that required open-heart surgery for treatment.
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While his surgery plan was being arranged at the center, Mahesh spent his time at Jhilko enjoying various activities such as playing with “Jack in the Box,” Play-Doh, Duplo blocks, smooshy sand, kitchen toys, balls, and toy cars. He also practiced writing the letters A to D and loved coloring. This innocent boy had no idea that he was soon to face a life-and-death challenge.
It seemed that his joyful playtime gave him strength each day, helping him prepare for surgery and become strong enough to face the battle for his life.
After the operation, Mahesh emerged victorious — his open-heart surgery was successful! A few days later, he returned to SDSS, still deeply attached to Jhilko. With his bright smile, he rushed back to play and learn again. After staying for a few more days, Mahesh finally went home joyfully, carrying with him some gifts and toys — and a heart full of life.
- Jhilko Project
In a small rural village in Kailash, Nepal, lived a humble farmer named Dil Kumar Syangtan. He is a devoted father of five children, but his youngest son, Somaesh, faced many challenges. Until the age of four and a half, Somaesh was an energetic boy. His life changed when he began experiencing seizures that caused him to fall frequently. Determined to educate his son, Dil Kumar enrolled him in school, but the seizures continued, making it hard for Somaesh to keep up. He was taken to Kanti Hospital and given some medication, which helped for a short time. However, due to the family’s unstable income, they could not continue his treatment. As Somaesh grew older, his condition worsened, and he lost the ability to walk, becoming fully dependent on his family.
Despite these hardships, Dil Kumar never gave up hope. One day, he met kind individuals from Sundar Dhoka Saathi Sewa (SDSS), who listened to his story and offered help. SDSS organized a screening camp in the village where Somaesh was examined and referred for further treatment. Due to financial and travel difficulties, the family could not visit Sundar Dhoka right away. Over time, Somaesh’s health declined further. After almost a year, he was finally taken for a detailed check-up, where doctors diagnosed him with epilepsy. With proper medication and care, he slowly began to improve. Now, Somaesh has started regaining strength, talking with his parents, and doing small daily activities on his own. His parents are deeply grateful to Sundar Dhoka for their support and care. For the first time in years, Dil Kumar feels hopeful about his son’s future. With love, support, and proper care, Somaesh’s story has become one of resilience and hope.
- Joni's House with Sundar Dhoka Project
Dimsali Oli, a 49-year-old mother from Khalanga Chaujhari, became paralyzed six years ago after being hospitalized for pneumonia. Despite many treatments, her condition did not improve. Life became even more difficult when her husband passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving their two children to manage the family garment business.
Her 22-year-old daughter, a social science student, became her main caregiver. Without a wheelchair, caring for Dimsali was both physically and emotionally exhausting, as her daughter had to carry her everywhere. Their lives changed when Joni and Friends and Sundar Dhoka Saathi Sewa (SDSS) provided Dimsali with a wheelchair. With it, she regained her independence and joy, and her daughter was finally able to focus on both her caregiving and her studies. The family is deeply grateful for the support and inspired by the life story of Joni Eareckson Tada.
- Joni & Friends Project
Laxman BK, born on June 18, 2011, from Triveni Rural Municipality, Ward No. 2, Rolpa, is a cheerful young boy — the youngest of twins born to Mr. Lal Singh and Mrs. Bishnu Maya BK. At around five years old, Laxman fell and fractured his hand, also injuring his chest. While his hand healed, the chest pain and breathing difficulties continued. His father bought medicines from local shops, but his condition did not improve. He was later taken to Bheri Hospital in Nepalgunj, where doctors diagnosed a heart problem and prescribed treatment.
When Laxman was seven, a Gangalal Hospital health camp in Libang, Rolpa recommended that he go to Kathmandu for further care. Despite financial struggles, his father managed to take him there during the COVID-19 pandemic. A kind nurse who saw their situation helped with the COVID test fee and connected them to Sundar Dhoka Saathi Sewa (SDSS), an organization supporting patients in need. On May 3, 2023, Laxman was called for surgery, but he tested positive for COVID-19 and had to return home. After about a month and a half, SDSS arranged a second opinion at Manmohan Hospital, where Dr. Bhagawan Koirala examined him and successfully performed his heart surgery. SDSS covered the expenses for food and lodging throughout his treatment. Laxman’s father is deeply grateful to everyone at Sundar Dhoka Saathi Sewa for their support, care, and guidance that gave his son a new chance at life.
- Child Heart Project
Bivaan Chaudhary was born in August 2022 at Karnali Province Hospital, Surkhet, as the second child in his family. At birth, his parents were shocked and scared to see his condition — his eyes were abnormally pulled downward, and he had a severe cleft lip and palate that extended up to his eyes. People in the community made hurtful comments about his appearance, and some even told his mother to abandon him. She shared, “At times, I didn’t even get support from my husband. I had no money to buy milk for him and was left alone to find treatment.” Bivaan has an elder brother who is nine years old and studying in grade four.
His mother recalled, “I wanted my child to look normal, but I didn’t know that his condition could be treated.” It was Bivaan’s aunt who advised them to visit the hospital. There, doctors suggested they travel to Kathmandu for further treatment and informed them about Sundar Dhoka Saathi Sewa (SDSS).After arriving at SDSS, the navigation team took them to Kirtipur Hospital, where Bivaan underwent successful surgery to repair his lip and facial cleft. His mother expressed her joy, saying, “My son now looks like other children. No one is scared when they see him. I am very happy and proud to return home with my son.”She added, “We don’t have a stable income and face many struggles just to meet daily needs. I am deeply thankful to Sundar Dhoka for helping families like ours in times of need.”
- Cleft Lip and Palate Project
Healing Amidst the Rubble: Finding Relief After Disaster Dilkumari Aryal (name changed), 67, reflected on the devastating effects of the recent flood and landslides. "The disaster left nothing behind," he shared. "Everywhere you look, it’s just debris, with countless landslides tearing the land apart. The land was falling here, there—speaking about it only deepens the pain." Dilkumari described how the disaster swept away homes, crops, and livestock, calling it indescribable. Though he wasn’t directly harmed, he emphasized the heavy loss felt by the entire community. "Today’s medical camp brought much-needed relief," he added, grateful for the care. For the past 15 years, he has been suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes, and today as well, doctors were able to provide a thorough check-up. "I received some medications and a hygiene kit," Dilkumari noted, expressing appreciation for the support the camp provided to him and his neighbors.
- Disaster Relief Medical Camp
