“My husband and I sell toys in the temple to earn our livelihood and educate my two daughters and a son. When there are no festivals, I go for labour (coolie) work. Selling toys is part of our traditional job, as I belong to Irular, a migrant tribal community. I spend my little earnings to support my children in their higher studies.
During Covid-19 relief, the staff of Jesuit Migrants Service (JMS), Chennai reached out to our Senjibanambakkam village with dry-ration kits. Looking at the health condition of the villagers, JMS organised a medical camp, a sponsored programme of Caritas Germany and supported by the Indian Social Institute Bangalore. I met Dr. Sr. Roseline from St. Thomas Hospital, Chennai and showed her the extra growth in my stomach. I also told her that I had already undergone surgery in the Government Hospital of Thiruvallur but was not cured. The doctor asked me to come to St. Thomas Hospital in Chennai for further investigation and treatment. The staff of JMS supported me financially.
The doctors diagnosed me with Uterine fibroid (benign uterine tumour). Initially, I had to be treated for about 3 months to control my thyroid, Cholesterol and BP and finally, the operation was done on 22 June 2022. I am completely healed now. I go for selling toys and engage in labour work. My family members are happy and grateful for saving my life. But for the intervention of JMS, I am not sure whether I would be alive today”, gratefully expressed a 45-year-old Ms. Amutha.
“When JMS staff visits Amutha, she wants to express her gratitude and looks for an opportunity to give us coffee, tea or a meal. You saved my life and I would like to share a meal with you. Amutha and her husband guide the villagers to contact the staff of JMS when someone is seriously ill for guidance” stated Sr. Alosiya.
Sr. Alosiya SJL
JMS