THANE: Despite undergoing nine major surgeries, being hospitalised for two months and having to juggle between doctors’ appointments, physical therapy and studies,
SSC student Khushi Dand, who was run over by a truck, secured an outstanding 91%.
After the 16-year-old Shahad resident was dragged by the wheels of a truck in Kalyan in October, she spent over two months undergoing multiple surgeries,
skin grafting and plastic surgeries and fighting for her life at a hospital in Thane.
“The accident shattered her pelvis and she lost 4 litres of blood. While we began treating her within the golden hour, we were not sure she’d survive the accident, let alone recover to write the board exam,” said Dr Ashish Phadnis, consultant orthopaedic surgeon at
Jupiter Hospital.
“She underwent over 20 surgeries including nine major ones, and could not lie down or sit or walk properly. But she was determined, and kept working on getting better,” Dr Phadnis added.
She was discharged from hospital in a wheelchair in December, she began working on physical therapy while getting back to her class X studies.
“I have been in the list of top rankers in my school from class VIII and wanted to prove to myself that I could do well even in such a situation. I had finished most of my portion before the accident thanks to my school and my tutor,” said the gritty student of St Thomas English School in Kalyan (west).
As I could not sit in one position for more than 15 minutes I took frequent breaks while studying. My tuition teacher came home to help me prep up for the finals,” said Dand, adding that her mother took leave from work.
“I was given a second life by my doctors. This accident has only strengthened my determination in life,” she said.