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  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_028.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_027.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_002.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_004.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_003.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_007.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_005.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_008.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_009.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_010.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_011.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_013.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_012.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_014.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_017.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_015.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_018.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_019.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_020.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_021.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_022.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_024.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_023.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_026.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_025.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_030.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_033.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_031.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_032.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_035.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_036.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_037.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_039.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_040.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_041.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_001.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_006.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_016.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_029.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_034.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Battling a rare health condition that has left half of her face disfigured, a 24-year-old Indian woman says she tries to live positively despite jeers by people. Sasikala K, from Chennai, the capital of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis, which has taken a toll on her face, affecting the right side. However, she admits her confidence has taken a hit of late. Sasikala, who prefers to live boldly and does not cover her face, likes dressing up and wearing make-up, much like girls her age, though she finds it difficult to execute them owing to her complications. She was only six-months-old when her parents noticed a part of her face swelling. However, they waited for another one and a half years to get medical help. “I have always been very bold, however, with age, the condition progressed and no one has come for help,” she says, adding, “I am slowly losing my confidence.” According to medical experts, her condition affects the face and craniofacial region of the body. It can also affect the neck and other parts of the body, depending upon the host. The family had not considered the deformity to be a big issue until Sasikala turned six and the face started to swell at an unusual rate. Now, almost 18 years later, she finds it difficult to execute daily chores like eating and brushing. The 24-year old is an employee at an embroidery unit run by a trust. Sasikala took it up as a means to support her family after completing her diploma in nursing and unable to land a job in the hospitality sector. Kumar, 54, Sasikala’s father, says his daughter has been under the knife four times, but it has only gotten worse. “She was six when doctors operated upon her for the first time,” Kumar says. “The result was satisfying and she looked normal,” he added. However, the joy was short-lived, as the tumours grew back again. Kumar says upon approaching the doctors again, he was told that it could be controlled but wou
    MEGA506733_038.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: By Sanjay Pandey and Supito Maity in Sao Paulo A 28-year-old Brazilian woman crippled by sheer weight and disproportionate size of tumours in her lower limbs is pleading for help from the netizens. Karina Rodini, who was fired from her job and is forced stay unmarried due to her medical condition, says the disease took a heavy toll on her personal and professional life. Karina has spent most of her adult life hiding it in public. But after last year’s botched up surgery in a state-run hospital, her ‘legs have become double the size and no clothes fit her’, making her a pariah in the locality. Karina suffers from type one neurofibromatosis, a genetic condition marked by changes in skin colour and the growth of non-cancerous cysts in different parts. The disease affects one in 4000 people globally. According to the US National Library of Medicine, patient with type one neufibromatosis are born with one mutated copy of the NF1 gene in each cell. It said, "In about half of cases, the altered gene is inherited from an affected parent. The remaining cases result from new mutations in the NF1 gene and occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family." Karina, from Sao Paulo, was just two when ‘coffee milk’ patches started to appear on her skin. She said due to the lack of formation of lumps, the doctors could barely make out what ailed her. “I was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis when I was only two years old, at first it was only ‘coffee milk’ patches so the doctor couldn’t do anything because there were no lumps or tumours,” she said. The cysts started to show up almost nine years later. One year later, when she was 12, Karina underwent a surgical procedure to remove a cyst, weighing around nine kilograms, from her uterus. According to her, the cavity gave her a semblance of a pregnant woman. Being the oldest child among three, Karina has always received love from her mother, Fatima M. Abou Ali, 58, a single woman, who raised
    MEGA348608_008.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: By Sanjay Pandey and Supito Maity in Sao Paulo A 28-year-old Brazilian woman crippled by sheer weight and disproportionate size of tumours in her lower limbs is pleading for help from the netizens. Karina Rodini, who was fired from her job and is forced stay unmarried due to her medical condition, says the disease took a heavy toll on her personal and professional life. Karina has spent most of her adult life hiding it in public. But after last year’s botched up surgery in a state-run hospital, her ‘legs have become double the size and no clothes fit her’, making her a pariah in the locality. Karina suffers from type one neurofibromatosis, a genetic condition marked by changes in skin colour and the growth of non-cancerous cysts in different parts. The disease affects one in 4000 people globally. According to the US National Library of Medicine, patient with type one neufibromatosis are born with one mutated copy of the NF1 gene in each cell. It said, "In about half of cases, the altered gene is inherited from an affected parent. The remaining cases result from new mutations in the NF1 gene and occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family." Karina, from Sao Paulo, was just two when ‘coffee milk’ patches started to appear on her skin. She said due to the lack of formation of lumps, the doctors could barely make out what ailed her. “I was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis when I was only two years old, at first it was only ‘coffee milk’ patches so the doctor couldn’t do anything because there were no lumps or tumours,” she said. The cysts started to show up almost nine years later. One year later, when she was 12, Karina underwent a surgical procedure to remove a cyst, weighing around nine kilograms, from her uterus. According to her, the cavity gave her a semblance of a pregnant woman. Being the oldest child among three, Karina has always received love from her mother, Fatima M. Abou Ali, 58, a single woman, who raised
    MEGA348608_009.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: By Sanjay Pandey and Supito Maity in Sao Paulo A 28-year-old Brazilian woman crippled by sheer weight and disproportionate size of tumours in her lower limbs is pleading for help from the netizens. Karina Rodini, who was fired from her job and is forced stay unmarried due to her medical condition, says the disease took a heavy toll on her personal and professional life. Karina has spent most of her adult life hiding it in public. But after last year’s botched up surgery in a state-run hospital, her ‘legs have become double the size and no clothes fit her’, making her a pariah in the locality. Karina suffers from type one neurofibromatosis, a genetic condition marked by changes in skin colour and the growth of non-cancerous cysts in different parts. The disease affects one in 4000 people globally. According to the US National Library of Medicine, patient with type one neufibromatosis are born with one mutated copy of the NF1 gene in each cell. It said, "In about half of cases, the altered gene is inherited from an affected parent. The remaining cases result from new mutations in the NF1 gene and occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family." Karina, from Sao Paulo, was just two when ‘coffee milk’ patches started to appear on her skin. She said due to the lack of formation of lumps, the doctors could barely make out what ailed her. “I was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis when I was only two years old, at first it was only ‘coffee milk’ patches so the doctor couldn’t do anything because there were no lumps or tumours,” she said. The cysts started to show up almost nine years later. One year later, when she was 12, Karina underwent a surgical procedure to remove a cyst, weighing around nine kilograms, from her uterus. According to her, the cavity gave her a semblance of a pregnant woman. Being the oldest child among three, Karina has always received love from her mother, Fatima M. Abou Ali, 58, a single woman, who raised
    MEGA348608_010.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: By Sanjay Pandey and Supito Maity in Sao Paulo A 28-year-old Brazilian woman crippled by sheer weight and disproportionate size of tumours in her lower limbs is pleading for help from the netizens. Karina Rodini, who was fired from her job and is forced stay unmarried due to her medical condition, says the disease took a heavy toll on her personal and professional life. Karina has spent most of her adult life hiding it in public. But after last year’s botched up surgery in a state-run hospital, her ‘legs have become double the size and no clothes fit her’, making her a pariah in the locality. Karina suffers from type one neurofibromatosis, a genetic condition marked by changes in skin colour and the growth of non-cancerous cysts in different parts. The disease affects one in 4000 people globally. According to the US National Library of Medicine, patient with type one neufibromatosis are born with one mutated copy of the NF1 gene in each cell. It said, "In about half of cases, the altered gene is inherited from an affected parent. The remaining cases result from new mutations in the NF1 gene and occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family." Karina, from Sao Paulo, was just two when ‘coffee milk’ patches started to appear on her skin. She said due to the lack of formation of lumps, the doctors could barely make out what ailed her. “I was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis when I was only two years old, at first it was only ‘coffee milk’ patches so the doctor couldn’t do anything because there were no lumps or tumours,” she said. The cysts started to show up almost nine years later. One year later, when she was 12, Karina underwent a surgical procedure to remove a cyst, weighing around nine kilograms, from her uterus. According to her, the cavity gave her a semblance of a pregnant woman. Being the oldest child among three, Karina has always received love from her mother, Fatima M. Abou Ali, 58, a single woman, who raised
    MEGA348608_005.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: By Sanjay Pandey and Supito Maity in Sao Paulo A 28-year-old Brazilian woman crippled by sheer weight and disproportionate size of tumours in her lower limbs is pleading for help from the netizens. Karina Rodini, who was fired from her job and is forced stay unmarried due to her medical condition, says the disease took a heavy toll on her personal and professional life. Karina has spent most of her adult life hiding it in public. But after last year’s botched up surgery in a state-run hospital, her ‘legs have become double the size and no clothes fit her’, making her a pariah in the locality. Karina suffers from type one neurofibromatosis, a genetic condition marked by changes in skin colour and the growth of non-cancerous cysts in different parts. The disease affects one in 4000 people globally. According to the US National Library of Medicine, patient with type one neufibromatosis are born with one mutated copy of the NF1 gene in each cell. It said, "In about half of cases, the altered gene is inherited from an affected parent. The remaining cases result from new mutations in the NF1 gene and occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family." Karina, from Sao Paulo, was just two when ‘coffee milk’ patches started to appear on her skin. She said due to the lack of formation of lumps, the doctors could barely make out what ailed her. “I was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis when I was only two years old, at first it was only ‘coffee milk’ patches so the doctor couldn’t do anything because there were no lumps or tumours,” she said. The cysts started to show up almost nine years later. One year later, when she was 12, Karina underwent a surgical procedure to remove a cyst, weighing around nine kilograms, from her uterus. According to her, the cavity gave her a semblance of a pregnant woman. Being the oldest child among three, Karina has always received love from her mother, Fatima M. Abou Ali, 58, a single woman, who raised
    MEGA348608_006.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: By Sanjay Pandey and Supito Maity in Sao Paulo A 28-year-old Brazilian woman crippled by sheer weight and disproportionate size of tumours in her lower limbs is pleading for help from the netizens. Karina Rodini, who was fired from her job and is forced stay unmarried due to her medical condition, says the disease took a heavy toll on her personal and professional life. Karina has spent most of her adult life hiding it in public. But after last year’s botched up surgery in a state-run hospital, her ‘legs have become double the size and no clothes fit her’, making her a pariah in the locality. Karina suffers from type one neurofibromatosis, a genetic condition marked by changes in skin colour and the growth of non-cancerous cysts in different parts. The disease affects one in 4000 people globally. According to the US National Library of Medicine, patient with type one neufibromatosis are born with one mutated copy of the NF1 gene in each cell. It said, "In about half of cases, the altered gene is inherited from an affected parent. The remaining cases result from new mutations in the NF1 gene and occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family." Karina, from Sao Paulo, was just two when ‘coffee milk’ patches started to appear on her skin. She said due to the lack of formation of lumps, the doctors could barely make out what ailed her. “I was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis when I was only two years old, at first it was only ‘coffee milk’ patches so the doctor couldn’t do anything because there were no lumps or tumours,” she said. The cysts started to show up almost nine years later. One year later, when she was 12, Karina underwent a surgical procedure to remove a cyst, weighing around nine kilograms, from her uterus. According to her, the cavity gave her a semblance of a pregnant woman. Being the oldest child among three, Karina has always received love from her mother, Fatima M. Abou Ali, 58, a single woman, who raised
    MEGA348608_002.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: By Sanjay Pandey and Supito Maity in Sao Paulo A 28-year-old Brazilian woman crippled by sheer weight and disproportionate size of tumours in her lower limbs is pleading for help from the netizens. Karina Rodini, who was fired from her job and is forced stay unmarried due to her medical condition, says the disease took a heavy toll on her personal and professional life. Karina has spent most of her adult life hiding it in public. But after last year’s botched up surgery in a state-run hospital, her ‘legs have become double the size and no clothes fit her’, making her a pariah in the locality. Karina suffers from type one neurofibromatosis, a genetic condition marked by changes in skin colour and the growth of non-cancerous cysts in different parts. The disease affects one in 4000 people globally. According to the US National Library of Medicine, patient with type one neufibromatosis are born with one mutated copy of the NF1 gene in each cell. It said, "In about half of cases, the altered gene is inherited from an affected parent. The remaining cases result from new mutations in the NF1 gene and occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family." Karina, from Sao Paulo, was just two when ‘coffee milk’ patches started to appear on her skin. She said due to the lack of formation of lumps, the doctors could barely make out what ailed her. “I was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis when I was only two years old, at first it was only ‘coffee milk’ patches so the doctor couldn’t do anything because there were no lumps or tumours,” she said. The cysts started to show up almost nine years later. One year later, when she was 12, Karina underwent a surgical procedure to remove a cyst, weighing around nine kilograms, from her uterus. According to her, the cavity gave her a semblance of a pregnant woman. Being the oldest child among three, Karina has always received love from her mother, Fatima M. Abou Ali, 58, a single woman, who raised
    MEGA348608_003.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: By Sanjay Pandey and Supito Maity in Sao Paulo A 28-year-old Brazilian woman crippled by sheer weight and disproportionate size of tumours in her lower limbs is pleading for help from the netizens. Karina Rodini, who was fired from her job and is forced stay unmarried due to her medical condition, says the disease took a heavy toll on her personal and professional life. Karina has spent most of her adult life hiding it in public. But after last year’s botched up surgery in a state-run hospital, her ‘legs have become double the size and no clothes fit her’, making her a pariah in the locality. Karina suffers from type one neurofibromatosis, a genetic condition marked by changes in skin colour and the growth of non-cancerous cysts in different parts. The disease affects one in 4000 people globally. According to the US National Library of Medicine, patient with type one neufibromatosis are born with one mutated copy of the NF1 gene in each cell. It said, "In about half of cases, the altered gene is inherited from an affected parent. The remaining cases result from new mutations in the NF1 gene and occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family." Karina, from Sao Paulo, was just two when ‘coffee milk’ patches started to appear on her skin. She said due to the lack of formation of lumps, the doctors could barely make out what ailed her. “I was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis when I was only two years old, at first it was only ‘coffee milk’ patches so the doctor couldn’t do anything because there were no lumps or tumours,” she said. The cysts started to show up almost nine years later. One year later, when she was 12, Karina underwent a surgical procedure to remove a cyst, weighing around nine kilograms, from her uterus. According to her, the cavity gave her a semblance of a pregnant woman. Being the oldest child among three, Karina has always received love from her mother, Fatima M. Abou Ali, 58, a single woman, who raised
    MEGA348608_004.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: By Sanjay Pandey and Supito Maity in Sao Paulo A 28-year-old Brazilian woman crippled by sheer weight and disproportionate size of tumours in her lower limbs is pleading for help from the netizens. Karina Rodini, who was fired from her job and is forced stay unmarried due to her medical condition, says the disease took a heavy toll on her personal and professional life. Karina has spent most of her adult life hiding it in public. But after last year’s botched up surgery in a state-run hospital, her ‘legs have become double the size and no clothes fit her’, making her a pariah in the locality. Karina suffers from type one neurofibromatosis, a genetic condition marked by changes in skin colour and the growth of non-cancerous cysts in different parts. The disease affects one in 4000 people globally. According to the US National Library of Medicine, patient with type one neufibromatosis are born with one mutated copy of the NF1 gene in each cell. It said, "In about half of cases, the altered gene is inherited from an affected parent. The remaining cases result from new mutations in the NF1 gene and occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family." Karina, from Sao Paulo, was just two when ‘coffee milk’ patches started to appear on her skin. She said due to the lack of formation of lumps, the doctors could barely make out what ailed her. “I was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis when I was only two years old, at first it was only ‘coffee milk’ patches so the doctor couldn’t do anything because there were no lumps or tumours,” she said. The cysts started to show up almost nine years later. One year later, when she was 12, Karina underwent a surgical procedure to remove a cyst, weighing around nine kilograms, from her uterus. According to her, the cavity gave her a semblance of a pregnant woman. Being the oldest child among three, Karina has always received love from her mother, Fatima M. Abou Ali, 58, a single woman, who raised
    MEGA348608_007.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: By Sanjay Pandey and Supito Maity in Sao Paulo A 28-year-old Brazilian woman crippled by sheer weight and disproportionate size of tumours in her lower limbs is pleading for help from the netizens. Karina Rodini, who was fired from her job and is forced stay unmarried due to her medical condition, says the disease took a heavy toll on her personal and professional life. Karina has spent most of her adult life hiding it in public. But after last year’s botched up surgery in a state-run hospital, her ‘legs have become double the size and no clothes fit her’, making her a pariah in the locality. Karina suffers from type one neurofibromatosis, a genetic condition marked by changes in skin colour and the growth of non-cancerous cysts in different parts. The disease affects one in 4000 people globally. According to the US National Library of Medicine, patient with type one neufibromatosis are born with one mutated copy of the NF1 gene in each cell. It said, "In about half of cases, the altered gene is inherited from an affected parent. The remaining cases result from new mutations in the NF1 gene and occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family." Karina, from Sao Paulo, was just two when ‘coffee milk’ patches started to appear on her skin. She said due to the lack of formation of lumps, the doctors could barely make out what ailed her. “I was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis when I was only two years old, at first it was only ‘coffee milk’ patches so the doctor couldn’t do anything because there were no lumps or tumours,” she said. The cysts started to show up almost nine years later. One year later, when she was 12, Karina underwent a surgical procedure to remove a cyst, weighing around nine kilograms, from her uterus. According to her, the cavity gave her a semblance of a pregnant woman. Being the oldest child among three, Karina has always received love from her mother, Fatima M. Abou Ali, 58, a single woman, who raised
    MEGA348608_001.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: By Sanjay Pandey and Supito Maity in Sao Paulo A 28-year-old Brazilian woman crippled by sheer weight and disproportionate size of tumours in her lower limbs is pleading for help from the netizens. Karina Rodini, who was fired from her job and is forced stay unmarried due to her medical condition, says the disease took a heavy toll on her personal and professional life. Karina has spent most of her adult life hiding it in public. But after last year’s botched up surgery in a state-run hospital, her ‘legs have become double the size and no clothes fit her’, making her a pariah in the locality. Karina suffers from type one neurofibromatosis, a genetic condition marked by changes in skin colour and the growth of non-cancerous cysts in different parts. The disease affects one in 4000 people globally. According to the US National Library of Medicine, patient with type one neufibromatosis are born with one mutated copy of the NF1 gene in each cell. It said, "In about half of cases, the altered gene is inherited from an affected parent. The remaining cases result from new mutations in the NF1 gene and occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family." Karina, from Sao Paulo, was just two when ‘coffee milk’ patches started to appear on her skin. She said due to the lack of formation of lumps, the doctors could barely make out what ailed her. “I was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis when I was only two years old, at first it was only ‘coffee milk’ patches so the doctor couldn’t do anything because there were no lumps or tumours,” she said. The cysts started to show up almost nine years later. One year later, when she was 12, Karina underwent a surgical procedure to remove a cyst, weighing around nine kilograms, from her uterus. According to her, the cavity gave her a semblance of a pregnant woman. Being the oldest child among three, Karina has always received love from her mother, Fatima M. Abou Ali, 58, a single woman, who raised
    MEGA348608_011.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: By Sherbien Dacalanio in Philippines A Filipino family is desperately trying to raise funds required for separation of their conjoined twins attached at the forehead despite the risk of them dying in the operation. Chiara and Charina, 7, from Roxas in Palawan, were born with craniopagus. The conjoined wins’ struggle starts with waking up and till the time they go to sleep. In between of everything, whatever daily chores everyone does is excruciating painful and difficult for them. From bathing, to eating, while going to school, they need to manage their heads that is stuck to each other sharing an artery. Sonia Nortega, 37, the mother of twins, says: “We conducted a series of medical procedure on the twins, such as MRI and CT Scan. Much to our dislike, the reports suggest that it will be a risky affair to separate Chiara and Charina. In the arterial studies there is clear arterial crossover and sharing between the twins. In addition the venous studies show a very robust outflow circulation in the larger venous vessels. There is also very poor central deep drainage in the veins.’ “But we have decided to go ahead with the process anyway. I am well aware that during the process we might end up losing one of the twins. If one of them gets cured and starts leading a normal life, I would know the other sister’s sacrifice was worth. I am positive and believe in the miracles of science. I wishes to send my daughters to better surgeons, who can handle the risk of this case and cure her daughters. My heart says that they both would survive the operation and would be able to lead a normal life,” the said 37-year-old mother of five. The Nortegas have three other children that were born normal without any complication and lead normal life. After the doctors told the family that the separation of the twins possible is but involves a risky operation, a local charity withdraw its earlier financial support. Now, the Nortegas are finding it difficult to raise f
    MEGA191446_002.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: By Sherbien Dacalanio in Philippines A Filipino family is desperately trying to raise funds required for separation of their conjoined twins attached at the forehead despite the risk of them dying in the operation. Chiara and Charina, 7, from Roxas in Palawan, were born with craniopagus. The conjoined wins’ struggle starts with waking up and till the time they go to sleep. In between of everything, whatever daily chores everyone does is excruciating painful and difficult for them. From bathing, to eating, while going to school, they need to manage their heads that is stuck to each other sharing an artery. Sonia Nortega, 37, the mother of twins, says: “We conducted a series of medical procedure on the twins, such as MRI and CT Scan. Much to our dislike, the reports suggest that it will be a risky affair to separate Chiara and Charina. In the arterial studies there is clear arterial crossover and sharing between the twins. In addition the venous studies show a very robust outflow circulation in the larger venous vessels. There is also very poor central deep drainage in the veins.’ “But we have decided to go ahead with the process anyway. I am well aware that during the process we might end up losing one of the twins. If one of them gets cured and starts leading a normal life, I would know the other sister’s sacrifice was worth. I am positive and believe in the miracles of science. I wishes to send my daughters to better surgeons, who can handle the risk of this case and cure her daughters. My heart says that they both would survive the operation and would be able to lead a normal life,” the said 37-year-old mother of five. The Nortegas have three other children that were born normal without any complication and lead normal life. After the doctors told the family that the separation of the twins possible is but involves a risky operation, a local charity withdraw its earlier financial support. Now, the Nortegas are finding it difficult to raise f
    MEGA191446_011.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: By Sherbien Dacalanio in Philippines A Filipino family is desperately trying to raise funds required for separation of their conjoined twins attached at the forehead despite the risk of them dying in the operation. Chiara and Charina, 7, from Roxas in Palawan, were born with craniopagus. The conjoined wins’ struggle starts with waking up and till the time they go to sleep. In between of everything, whatever daily chores everyone does is excruciating painful and difficult for them. From bathing, to eating, while going to school, they need to manage their heads that is stuck to each other sharing an artery. Sonia Nortega, 37, the mother of twins, says: “We conducted a series of medical procedure on the twins, such as MRI and CT Scan. Much to our dislike, the reports suggest that it will be a risky affair to separate Chiara and Charina. In the arterial studies there is clear arterial crossover and sharing between the twins. In addition the venous studies show a very robust outflow circulation in the larger venous vessels. There is also very poor central deep drainage in the veins.’ “But we have decided to go ahead with the process anyway. I am well aware that during the process we might end up losing one of the twins. If one of them gets cured and starts leading a normal life, I would know the other sister’s sacrifice was worth. I am positive and believe in the miracles of science. I wishes to send my daughters to better surgeons, who can handle the risk of this case and cure her daughters. My heart says that they both would survive the operation and would be able to lead a normal life,” the said 37-year-old mother of five. The Nortegas have three other children that were born normal without any complication and lead normal life. After the doctors told the family that the separation of the twins possible is but involves a risky operation, a local charity withdraw its earlier financial support. Now, the Nortegas are finding it difficult to raise f
    MEGA191446_004.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: By Sherbien Dacalanio in Philippines A Filipino family is desperately trying to raise funds required for separation of their conjoined twins attached at the forehead despite the risk of them dying in the operation. Chiara and Charina, 7, from Roxas in Palawan, were born with craniopagus. The conjoined wins’ struggle starts with waking up and till the time they go to sleep. In between of everything, whatever daily chores everyone does is excruciating painful and difficult for them. From bathing, to eating, while going to school, they need to manage their heads that is stuck to each other sharing an artery. Sonia Nortega, 37, the mother of twins, says: “We conducted a series of medical procedure on the twins, such as MRI and CT Scan. Much to our dislike, the reports suggest that it will be a risky affair to separate Chiara and Charina. In the arterial studies there is clear arterial crossover and sharing between the twins. In addition the venous studies show a very robust outflow circulation in the larger venous vessels. There is also very poor central deep drainage in the veins.’ “But we have decided to go ahead with the process anyway. I am well aware that during the process we might end up losing one of the twins. If one of them gets cured and starts leading a normal life, I would know the other sister’s sacrifice was worth. I am positive and believe in the miracles of science. I wishes to send my daughters to better surgeons, who can handle the risk of this case and cure her daughters. My heart says that they both would survive the operation and would be able to lead a normal life,” the said 37-year-old mother of five. The Nortegas have three other children that were born normal without any complication and lead normal life. After the doctors told the family that the separation of the twins possible is but involves a risky operation, a local charity withdraw its earlier financial support. Now, the Nortegas are finding it difficult to raise f
    MEGA191446_007.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: By Sherbien Dacalanio in Philippines A Filipino family is desperately trying to raise funds required for separation of their conjoined twins attached at the forehead despite the risk of them dying in the operation. Chiara and Charina, 7, from Roxas in Palawan, were born with craniopagus. The conjoined wins’ struggle starts with waking up and till the time they go to sleep. In between of everything, whatever daily chores everyone does is excruciating painful and difficult for them. From bathing, to eating, while going to school, they need to manage their heads that is stuck to each other sharing an artery. Sonia Nortega, 37, the mother of twins, says: “We conducted a series of medical procedure on the twins, such as MRI and CT Scan. Much to our dislike, the reports suggest that it will be a risky affair to separate Chiara and Charina. In the arterial studies there is clear arterial crossover and sharing between the twins. In addition the venous studies show a very robust outflow circulation in the larger venous vessels. There is also very poor central deep drainage in the veins.’ “But we have decided to go ahead with the process anyway. I am well aware that during the process we might end up losing one of the twins. If one of them gets cured and starts leading a normal life, I would know the other sister’s sacrifice was worth. I am positive and believe in the miracles of science. I wishes to send my daughters to better surgeons, who can handle the risk of this case and cure her daughters. My heart says that they both would survive the operation and would be able to lead a normal life,” the said 37-year-old mother of five. The Nortegas have three other children that were born normal without any complication and lead normal life. After the doctors told the family that the separation of the twins possible is but involves a risky operation, a local charity withdraw its earlier financial support. Now, the Nortegas are finding it difficult to raise f
    MEGA191446_012.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: By Sherbien Dacalanio in Philippines A Filipino family is desperately trying to raise funds required for separation of their conjoined twins attached at the forehead despite the risk of them dying in the operation. Chiara and Charina, 7, from Roxas in Palawan, were born with craniopagus. The conjoined wins’ struggle starts with waking up and till the time they go to sleep. In between of everything, whatever daily chores everyone does is excruciating painful and difficult for them. From bathing, to eating, while going to school, they need to manage their heads that is stuck to each other sharing an artery. Sonia Nortega, 37, the mother of twins, says: “We conducted a series of medical procedure on the twins, such as MRI and CT Scan. Much to our dislike, the reports suggest that it will be a risky affair to separate Chiara and Charina. In the arterial studies there is clear arterial crossover and sharing between the twins. In addition the venous studies show a very robust outflow circulation in the larger venous vessels. There is also very poor central deep drainage in the veins.’ “But we have decided to go ahead with the process anyway. I am well aware that during the process we might end up losing one of the twins. If one of them gets cured and starts leading a normal life, I would know the other sister’s sacrifice was worth. I am positive and believe in the miracles of science. I wishes to send my daughters to better surgeons, who can handle the risk of this case and cure her daughters. My heart says that they both would survive the operation and would be able to lead a normal life,” the said 37-year-old mother of five. The Nortegas have three other children that were born normal without any complication and lead normal life. After the doctors told the family that the separation of the twins possible is but involves a risky operation, a local charity withdraw its earlier financial support. Now, the Nortegas are finding it difficult to raise f
    MEGA191446_003.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: By Sherbien Dacalanio in Philippines A Filipino family is desperately trying to raise funds required for separation of their conjoined twins attached at the forehead despite the risk of them dying in the operation. Chiara and Charina, 7, from Roxas in Palawan, were born with craniopagus. The conjoined wins’ struggle starts with waking up and till the time they go to sleep. In between of everything, whatever daily chores everyone does is excruciating painful and difficult for them. From bathing, to eating, while going to school, they need to manage their heads that is stuck to each other sharing an artery. Sonia Nortega, 37, the mother of twins, says: “We conducted a series of medical procedure on the twins, such as MRI and CT Scan. Much to our dislike, the reports suggest that it will be a risky affair to separate Chiara and Charina. In the arterial studies there is clear arterial crossover and sharing between the twins. In addition the venous studies show a very robust outflow circulation in the larger venous vessels. There is also very poor central deep drainage in the veins.’ “But we have decided to go ahead with the process anyway. I am well aware that during the process we might end up losing one of the twins. If one of them gets cured and starts leading a normal life, I would know the other sister’s sacrifice was worth. I am positive and believe in the miracles of science. I wishes to send my daughters to better surgeons, who can handle the risk of this case and cure her daughters. My heart says that they both would survive the operation and would be able to lead a normal life,” the said 37-year-old mother of five. The Nortegas have three other children that were born normal without any complication and lead normal life. After the doctors told the family that the separation of the twins possible is but involves a risky operation, a local charity withdraw its earlier financial support. Now, the Nortegas are finding it difficult to raise f
    MEGA191446_005.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: By Sherbien Dacalanio in Philippines A Filipino family is desperately trying to raise funds required for separation of their conjoined twins attached at the forehead despite the risk of them dying in the operation. Chiara and Charina, 7, from Roxas in Palawan, were born with craniopagus. The conjoined wins’ struggle starts with waking up and till the time they go to sleep. In between of everything, whatever daily chores everyone does is excruciating painful and difficult for them. From bathing, to eating, while going to school, they need to manage their heads that is stuck to each other sharing an artery. Sonia Nortega, 37, the mother of twins, says: “We conducted a series of medical procedure on the twins, such as MRI and CT Scan. Much to our dislike, the reports suggest that it will be a risky affair to separate Chiara and Charina. In the arterial studies there is clear arterial crossover and sharing between the twins. In addition the venous studies show a very robust outflow circulation in the larger venous vessels. There is also very poor central deep drainage in the veins.’ “But we have decided to go ahead with the process anyway. I am well aware that during the process we might end up losing one of the twins. If one of them gets cured and starts leading a normal life, I would know the other sister’s sacrifice was worth. I am positive and believe in the miracles of science. I wishes to send my daughters to better surgeons, who can handle the risk of this case and cure her daughters. My heart says that they both would survive the operation and would be able to lead a normal life,” the said 37-year-old mother of five. The Nortegas have three other children that were born normal without any complication and lead normal life. After the doctors told the family that the separation of the twins possible is but involves a risky operation, a local charity withdraw its earlier financial support. Now, the Nortegas are finding it difficult to raise f
    MEGA191446_008.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: By Sherbien Dacalanio in Philippines A Filipino family is desperately trying to raise funds required for separation of their conjoined twins attached at the forehead despite the risk of them dying in the operation. Chiara and Charina, 7, from Roxas in Palawan, were born with craniopagus. The conjoined wins’ struggle starts with waking up and till the time they go to sleep. In between of everything, whatever daily chores everyone does is excruciating painful and difficult for them. From bathing, to eating, while going to school, they need to manage their heads that is stuck to each other sharing an artery. Sonia Nortega, 37, the mother of twins, says: “We conducted a series of medical procedure on the twins, such as MRI and CT Scan. Much to our dislike, the reports suggest that it will be a risky affair to separate Chiara and Charina. In the arterial studies there is clear arterial crossover and sharing between the twins. In addition the venous studies show a very robust outflow circulation in the larger venous vessels. There is also very poor central deep drainage in the veins.’ “But we have decided to go ahead with the process anyway. I am well aware that during the process we might end up losing one of the twins. If one of them gets cured and starts leading a normal life, I would know the other sister’s sacrifice was worth. I am positive and believe in the miracles of science. I wishes to send my daughters to better surgeons, who can handle the risk of this case and cure her daughters. My heart says that they both would survive the operation and would be able to lead a normal life,” the said 37-year-old mother of five. The Nortegas have three other children that were born normal without any complication and lead normal life. After the doctors told the family that the separation of the twins possible is but involves a risky operation, a local charity withdraw its earlier financial support. Now, the Nortegas are finding it difficult to raise f
    MEGA191446_006.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: By Sherbien Dacalanio in Philippines A Filipino family is desperately trying to raise funds required for separation of their conjoined twins attached at the forehead despite the risk of them dying in the operation. Chiara and Charina, 7, from Roxas in Palawan, were born with craniopagus. The conjoined wins’ struggle starts with waking up and till the time they go to sleep. In between of everything, whatever daily chores everyone does is excruciating painful and difficult for them. From bathing, to eating, while going to school, they need to manage their heads that is stuck to each other sharing an artery. Sonia Nortega, 37, the mother of twins, says: “We conducted a series of medical procedure on the twins, such as MRI and CT Scan. Much to our dislike, the reports suggest that it will be a risky affair to separate Chiara and Charina. In the arterial studies there is clear arterial crossover and sharing between the twins. In addition the venous studies show a very robust outflow circulation in the larger venous vessels. There is also very poor central deep drainage in the veins.’ “But we have decided to go ahead with the process anyway. I am well aware that during the process we might end up losing one of the twins. If one of them gets cured and starts leading a normal life, I would know the other sister’s sacrifice was worth. I am positive and believe in the miracles of science. I wishes to send my daughters to better surgeons, who can handle the risk of this case and cure her daughters. My heart says that they both would survive the operation and would be able to lead a normal life,” the said 37-year-old mother of five. The Nortegas have three other children that were born normal without any complication and lead normal life. After the doctors told the family that the separation of the twins possible is but involves a risky operation, a local charity withdraw its earlier financial support. Now, the Nortegas are finding it difficult to raise f
    MEGA191446_010.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: By Sherbien Dacalanio in Philippines A Filipino family is desperately trying to raise funds required for separation of their conjoined twins attached at the forehead despite the risk of them dying in the operation. Chiara and Charina, 7, from Roxas in Palawan, were born with craniopagus. The conjoined wins’ struggle starts with waking up and till the time they go to sleep. In between of everything, whatever daily chores everyone does is excruciating painful and difficult for them. From bathing, to eating, while going to school, they need to manage their heads that is stuck to each other sharing an artery. Sonia Nortega, 37, the mother of twins, says: “We conducted a series of medical procedure on the twins, such as MRI and CT Scan. Much to our dislike, the reports suggest that it will be a risky affair to separate Chiara and Charina. In the arterial studies there is clear arterial crossover and sharing between the twins. In addition the venous studies show a very robust outflow circulation in the larger venous vessels. There is also very poor central deep drainage in the veins.’ “But we have decided to go ahead with the process anyway. I am well aware that during the process we might end up losing one of the twins. If one of them gets cured and starts leading a normal life, I would know the other sister’s sacrifice was worth. I am positive and believe in the miracles of science. I wishes to send my daughters to better surgeons, who can handle the risk of this case and cure her daughters. My heart says that they both would survive the operation and would be able to lead a normal life,” the said 37-year-old mother of five. The Nortegas have three other children that were born normal without any complication and lead normal life. After the doctors told the family that the separation of the twins possible is but involves a risky operation, a local charity withdraw its earlier financial support. Now, the Nortegas are finding it difficult to raise f
    MEGA191446_009.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: By Sherbien Dacalanio in Philippines A Filipino family is desperately trying to raise funds required for separation of their conjoined twins attached at the forehead despite the risk of them dying in the operation. Chiara and Charina, 7, from Roxas in Palawan, were born with craniopagus. The conjoined wins’ struggle starts with waking up and till the time they go to sleep. In between of everything, whatever daily chores everyone does is excruciating painful and difficult for them. From bathing, to eating, while going to school, they need to manage their heads that is stuck to each other sharing an artery. Sonia Nortega, 37, the mother of twins, says: “We conducted a series of medical procedure on the twins, such as MRI and CT Scan. Much to our dislike, the reports suggest that it will be a risky affair to separate Chiara and Charina. In the arterial studies there is clear arterial crossover and sharing between the twins. In addition the venous studies show a very robust outflow circulation in the larger venous vessels. There is also very poor central deep drainage in the veins.’ “But we have decided to go ahead with the process anyway. I am well aware that during the process we might end up losing one of the twins. If one of them gets cured and starts leading a normal life, I would know the other sister’s sacrifice was worth. I am positive and believe in the miracles of science. I wishes to send my daughters to better surgeons, who can handle the risk of this case and cure her daughters. My heart says that they both would survive the operation and would be able to lead a normal life,” the said 37-year-old mother of five. The Nortegas have three other children that were born normal without any complication and lead normal life. After the doctors told the family that the separation of the twins possible is but involves a risky operation, a local charity withdraw its earlier financial support. Now, the Nortegas are finding it difficult to raise f
    MEGA191446_001.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Bed-ridden man walks again after 14 kg sac of swollen mass dangling from his thigh removed. NDIA,KOCHI, February 14, 2018 – Saidalavi, a 46-year-old man hailing from Kerala’s Thrissur district, was bedridden for the last two years because of a humungous swollen mass hanging from his left thigh in a sac like structure that weighed a staggering 14 kg. He got afflicted with lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) three decades ago and underwent a couple of surgeries over the years, but to no avail – the swelling kept increasing. The patient could move with great difficulty with the help of his aged mother and two brothers. His family members ran pillar to post, but no doctor was ready to take up his case due to the sheer size of the swelling which gave his leg a grotesque appearance. It was a race against time as his swollen legs had begun to get infected. Saidalavi’s life changed radically for the better a few days ago when a team of five surgeons and three anesthetists at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences in Kochi removed the deformity in a surgery that lasted over five hours. Said Dr. Subramania Iyer, Head, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi: “It was a complex surgery. Several complications could rise because of the patient being overweight and his inability to walk. First, we treated him for four weeks with intensive antibiotic therapy to control infection in his legs. Then, the challenge was to institute Comprehensive Decongestive Therapy (CDT) which plays a major role in preparing a lymphedema patient for surgical treatment. In Saidalavi’s case, this went on for a month and involved Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and a special method of bandaging to make the legs softer by pushing the accumulated fluid to other parts of the body. The size of his swollen legs and immobility made this very difficult and needed at least four therapists instead of the usual one.” Dr. Subramania Iyer added: “Finall
    MEGA164505_008.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Bed-ridden man walks again after 14 kg sac of swollen mass dangling from his thigh removed. NDIA,KOCHI, February 14, 2018 – Saidalavi, a 46-year-old man hailing from Kerala’s Thrissur district, was bedridden for the last two years because of a humungous swollen mass hanging from his left thigh in a sac like structure that weighed a staggering 14 kg. He got afflicted with lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) three decades ago and underwent a couple of surgeries over the years, but to no avail – the swelling kept increasing. The patient could move with great difficulty with the help of his aged mother and two brothers. His family members ran pillar to post, but no doctor was ready to take up his case due to the sheer size of the swelling which gave his leg a grotesque appearance. It was a race against time as his swollen legs had begun to get infected. Saidalavi’s life changed radically for the better a few days ago when a team of five surgeons and three anesthetists at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences in Kochi removed the deformity in a surgery that lasted over five hours. Said Dr. Subramania Iyer, Head, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi: “It was a complex surgery. Several complications could rise because of the patient being overweight and his inability to walk. First, we treated him for four weeks with intensive antibiotic therapy to control infection in his legs. Then, the challenge was to institute Comprehensive Decongestive Therapy (CDT) which plays a major role in preparing a lymphedema patient for surgical treatment. In Saidalavi’s case, this went on for a month and involved Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and a special method of bandaging to make the legs softer by pushing the accumulated fluid to other parts of the body. The size of his swollen legs and immobility made this very difficult and needed at least four therapists instead of the usual one.” Dr. Subramania Iyer added: “Finall
    MEGA164505_007.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Bed-ridden man walks again after 14 kg sac of swollen mass dangling from his thigh removed. NDIA,KOCHI, February 14, 2018 – Saidalavi, a 46-year-old man hailing from Kerala’s Thrissur district, was bedridden for the last two years because of a humungous swollen mass hanging from his left thigh in a sac like structure that weighed a staggering 14 kg. He got afflicted with lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) three decades ago and underwent a couple of surgeries over the years, but to no avail – the swelling kept increasing. The patient could move with great difficulty with the help of his aged mother and two brothers. His family members ran pillar to post, but no doctor was ready to take up his case due to the sheer size of the swelling which gave his leg a grotesque appearance. It was a race against time as his swollen legs had begun to get infected. Saidalavi’s life changed radically for the better a few days ago when a team of five surgeons and three anesthetists at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences in Kochi removed the deformity in a surgery that lasted over five hours. Said Dr. Subramania Iyer, Head, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi: “It was a complex surgery. Several complications could rise because of the patient being overweight and his inability to walk. First, we treated him for four weeks with intensive antibiotic therapy to control infection in his legs. Then, the challenge was to institute Comprehensive Decongestive Therapy (CDT) which plays a major role in preparing a lymphedema patient for surgical treatment. In Saidalavi’s case, this went on for a month and involved Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and a special method of bandaging to make the legs softer by pushing the accumulated fluid to other parts of the body. The size of his swollen legs and immobility made this very difficult and needed at least four therapists instead of the usual one.” Dr. Subramania Iyer added: “Finall
    MEGA164505_009.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Bed-ridden man walks again after 14 kg sac of swollen mass dangling from his thigh removed. NDIA,KOCHI, February 14, 2018 – Saidalavi, a 46-year-old man hailing from Kerala’s Thrissur district, was bedridden for the last two years because of a humungous swollen mass hanging from his left thigh in a sac like structure that weighed a staggering 14 kg. He got afflicted with lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) three decades ago and underwent a couple of surgeries over the years, but to no avail – the swelling kept increasing. The patient could move with great difficulty with the help of his aged mother and two brothers. His family members ran pillar to post, but no doctor was ready to take up his case due to the sheer size of the swelling which gave his leg a grotesque appearance. It was a race against time as his swollen legs had begun to get infected. Saidalavi’s life changed radically for the better a few days ago when a team of five surgeons and three anesthetists at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences in Kochi removed the deformity in a surgery that lasted over five hours. Said Dr. Subramania Iyer, Head, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi: “It was a complex surgery. Several complications could rise because of the patient being overweight and his inability to walk. First, we treated him for four weeks with intensive antibiotic therapy to control infection in his legs. Then, the challenge was to institute Comprehensive Decongestive Therapy (CDT) which plays a major role in preparing a lymphedema patient for surgical treatment. In Saidalavi’s case, this went on for a month and involved Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and a special method of bandaging to make the legs softer by pushing the accumulated fluid to other parts of the body. The size of his swollen legs and immobility made this very difficult and needed at least four therapists instead of the usual one.” Dr. Subramania Iyer added: “Finall
    MEGA164505_010.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Bed-ridden man walks again after 14 kg sac of swollen mass dangling from his thigh removed. NDIA,KOCHI, February 14, 2018 – Saidalavi, a 46-year-old man hailing from Kerala’s Thrissur district, was bedridden for the last two years because of a humungous swollen mass hanging from his left thigh in a sac like structure that weighed a staggering 14 kg. He got afflicted with lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) three decades ago and underwent a couple of surgeries over the years, but to no avail – the swelling kept increasing. The patient could move with great difficulty with the help of his aged mother and two brothers. His family members ran pillar to post, but no doctor was ready to take up his case due to the sheer size of the swelling which gave his leg a grotesque appearance. It was a race against time as his swollen legs had begun to get infected. Saidalavi’s life changed radically for the better a few days ago when a team of five surgeons and three anesthetists at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences in Kochi removed the deformity in a surgery that lasted over five hours. Said Dr. Subramania Iyer, Head, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi: “It was a complex surgery. Several complications could rise because of the patient being overweight and his inability to walk. First, we treated him for four weeks with intensive antibiotic therapy to control infection in his legs. Then, the challenge was to institute Comprehensive Decongestive Therapy (CDT) which plays a major role in preparing a lymphedema patient for surgical treatment. In Saidalavi’s case, this went on for a month and involved Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and a special method of bandaging to make the legs softer by pushing the accumulated fluid to other parts of the body. The size of his swollen legs and immobility made this very difficult and needed at least four therapists instead of the usual one.” Dr. Subramania Iyer added: “Finall
    MEGA164505_002.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Bed-ridden man walks again after 14 kg sac of swollen mass dangling from his thigh removed. NDIA,KOCHI, February 14, 2018 – Saidalavi, a 46-year-old man hailing from Kerala’s Thrissur district, was bedridden for the last two years because of a humungous swollen mass hanging from his left thigh in a sac like structure that weighed a staggering 14 kg. He got afflicted with lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) three decades ago and underwent a couple of surgeries over the years, but to no avail – the swelling kept increasing. The patient could move with great difficulty with the help of his aged mother and two brothers. His family members ran pillar to post, but no doctor was ready to take up his case due to the sheer size of the swelling which gave his leg a grotesque appearance. It was a race against time as his swollen legs had begun to get infected. Saidalavi’s life changed radically for the better a few days ago when a team of five surgeons and three anesthetists at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences in Kochi removed the deformity in a surgery that lasted over five hours. Said Dr. Subramania Iyer, Head, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi: “It was a complex surgery. Several complications could rise because of the patient being overweight and his inability to walk. First, we treated him for four weeks with intensive antibiotic therapy to control infection in his legs. Then, the challenge was to institute Comprehensive Decongestive Therapy (CDT) which plays a major role in preparing a lymphedema patient for surgical treatment. In Saidalavi’s case, this went on for a month and involved Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and a special method of bandaging to make the legs softer by pushing the accumulated fluid to other parts of the body. The size of his swollen legs and immobility made this very difficult and needed at least four therapists instead of the usual one.” Dr. Subramania Iyer added: “Finall
    MEGA164505_003.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Bed-ridden man walks again after 14 kg sac of swollen mass dangling from his thigh removed. NDIA,KOCHI, February 14, 2018 – Saidalavi, a 46-year-old man hailing from Kerala’s Thrissur district, was bedridden for the last two years because of a humungous swollen mass hanging from his left thigh in a sac like structure that weighed a staggering 14 kg. He got afflicted with lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) three decades ago and underwent a couple of surgeries over the years, but to no avail – the swelling kept increasing. The patient could move with great difficulty with the help of his aged mother and two brothers. His family members ran pillar to post, but no doctor was ready to take up his case due to the sheer size of the swelling which gave his leg a grotesque appearance. It was a race against time as his swollen legs had begun to get infected. Saidalavi’s life changed radically for the better a few days ago when a team of five surgeons and three anesthetists at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences in Kochi removed the deformity in a surgery that lasted over five hours. Said Dr. Subramania Iyer, Head, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi: “It was a complex surgery. Several complications could rise because of the patient being overweight and his inability to walk. First, we treated him for four weeks with intensive antibiotic therapy to control infection in his legs. Then, the challenge was to institute Comprehensive Decongestive Therapy (CDT) which plays a major role in preparing a lymphedema patient for surgical treatment. In Saidalavi’s case, this went on for a month and involved Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and a special method of bandaging to make the legs softer by pushing the accumulated fluid to other parts of the body. The size of his swollen legs and immobility made this very difficult and needed at least four therapists instead of the usual one.” Dr. Subramania Iyer added: “Finall
    MEGA164505_005.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Bed-ridden man walks again after 14 kg sac of swollen mass dangling from his thigh removed. NDIA,KOCHI, February 14, 2018 – Saidalavi, a 46-year-old man hailing from Kerala’s Thrissur district, was bedridden for the last two years because of a humungous swollen mass hanging from his left thigh in a sac like structure that weighed a staggering 14 kg. He got afflicted with lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) three decades ago and underwent a couple of surgeries over the years, but to no avail – the swelling kept increasing. The patient could move with great difficulty with the help of his aged mother and two brothers. His family members ran pillar to post, but no doctor was ready to take up his case due to the sheer size of the swelling which gave his leg a grotesque appearance. It was a race against time as his swollen legs had begun to get infected. Saidalavi’s life changed radically for the better a few days ago when a team of five surgeons and three anesthetists at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences in Kochi removed the deformity in a surgery that lasted over five hours. Said Dr. Subramania Iyer, Head, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi: “It was a complex surgery. Several complications could rise because of the patient being overweight and his inability to walk. First, we treated him for four weeks with intensive antibiotic therapy to control infection in his legs. Then, the challenge was to institute Comprehensive Decongestive Therapy (CDT) which plays a major role in preparing a lymphedema patient for surgical treatment. In Saidalavi’s case, this went on for a month and involved Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and a special method of bandaging to make the legs softer by pushing the accumulated fluid to other parts of the body. The size of his swollen legs and immobility made this very difficult and needed at least four therapists instead of the usual one.” Dr. Subramania Iyer added: “Finall
    MEGA164505_006.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Bed-ridden man walks again after 14 kg sac of swollen mass dangling from his thigh removed. NDIA,KOCHI, February 14, 2018 – Saidalavi, a 46-year-old man hailing from Kerala’s Thrissur district, was bedridden for the last two years because of a humungous swollen mass hanging from his left thigh in a sac like structure that weighed a staggering 14 kg. He got afflicted with lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) three decades ago and underwent a couple of surgeries over the years, but to no avail – the swelling kept increasing. The patient could move with great difficulty with the help of his aged mother and two brothers. His family members ran pillar to post, but no doctor was ready to take up his case due to the sheer size of the swelling which gave his leg a grotesque appearance. It was a race against time as his swollen legs had begun to get infected. Saidalavi’s life changed radically for the better a few days ago when a team of five surgeons and three anesthetists at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences in Kochi removed the deformity in a surgery that lasted over five hours. Said Dr. Subramania Iyer, Head, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi: “It was a complex surgery. Several complications could rise because of the patient being overweight and his inability to walk. First, we treated him for four weeks with intensive antibiotic therapy to control infection in his legs. Then, the challenge was to institute Comprehensive Decongestive Therapy (CDT) which plays a major role in preparing a lymphedema patient for surgical treatment. In Saidalavi’s case, this went on for a month and involved Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and a special method of bandaging to make the legs softer by pushing the accumulated fluid to other parts of the body. The size of his swollen legs and immobility made this very difficult and needed at least four therapists instead of the usual one.” Dr. Subramania Iyer added: “Finall
    MEGA164505_004.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Bed-ridden man walks again after 14 kg sac of swollen mass dangling from his thigh removed. NDIA,KOCHI, February 14, 2018 – Saidalavi, a 46-year-old man hailing from Kerala’s Thrissur district, was bedridden for the last two years because of a humungous swollen mass hanging from his left thigh in a sac like structure that weighed a staggering 14 kg. He got afflicted with lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) three decades ago and underwent a couple of surgeries over the years, but to no avail – the swelling kept increasing. The patient could move with great difficulty with the help of his aged mother and two brothers. His family members ran pillar to post, but no doctor was ready to take up his case due to the sheer size of the swelling which gave his leg a grotesque appearance. It was a race against time as his swollen legs had begun to get infected. Saidalavi’s life changed radically for the better a few days ago when a team of five surgeons and three anesthetists at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences in Kochi removed the deformity in a surgery that lasted over five hours. Said Dr. Subramania Iyer, Head, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi: “It was a complex surgery. Several complications could rise because of the patient being overweight and his inability to walk. First, we treated him for four weeks with intensive antibiotic therapy to control infection in his legs. Then, the challenge was to institute Comprehensive Decongestive Therapy (CDT) which plays a major role in preparing a lymphedema patient for surgical treatment. In Saidalavi’s case, this went on for a month and involved Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and a special method of bandaging to make the legs softer by pushing the accumulated fluid to other parts of the body. The size of his swollen legs and immobility made this very difficult and needed at least four therapists instead of the usual one.” Dr. Subramania Iyer added: “Finall
    MEGA164505_001.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Boy with webbed fingers, toes treated like a pariah in the neighborhood and at school, poor parents pin hope on crowdfunding to get their child treated By Sanjay Pandey in India Twelve-year-old Mannu Kumar is treated like a pariah in his neighborhood and at school because of his appearance. Mannu, standard III student, cannot run around like a regular boy of his age. He can't use hands for eating or any other purpose, nor can he wear shoes or slippers. Mannu suffers from Syndactyly, a rare genetic condition, because of which his hands and feet are fused-like. The disease causes abnormal fusion of hands and feet. The rare condition only affects one in 10 lakh people. Mannu, who hails from the Koderma of the east Indian state of Jharkhand, is the eldest child of Anand Kumar, a small-time grocery shop owner, and Rani Devi, a housewife. Mannu also has one sister and the medical expenses of his condition are quite a burden on the family. His parents have spent a fortune on his treatment in the last two years. They have sold family property and jewelry to arrange funds for the boy's medication and diagnosis. Since his parents are uneducated they couldn't pick on the early signs of the disease and his diagnosis was made only this year in July. Now it is in an advanced stage and doctors have told them that it would take at least Rs 10 lakh for reconstructing Mannu’s hands and feet. Doctors informed the parents that the estimated cost of treatment, including neuro and plastic surgery procedures, would come to approximately Rs 10 lakh. Moreover, the family would have to shell out Rs 5 lakh for the treatment process to begin. Since the family has already exhausted all their resources in the last two years, on the boy's medication, they have started a fundraiser to raise money for his further treatment. His mother Devi said: ‘It is the curse of the God that my son was born like this and I am worried about his future. ‘I’m afraid he might struggle to lead a no
    MEGA177869_003.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Boy with webbed fingers, toes treated like a pariah in the neighborhood and at school, poor parents pin hope on crowdfunding to get their child treated By Sanjay Pandey in India Twelve-year-old Mannu Kumar is treated like a pariah in his neighborhood and at school because of his appearance. Mannu, standard III student, cannot run around like a regular boy of his age. He can't use hands for eating or any other purpose, nor can he wear shoes or slippers. Mannu suffers from Syndactyly, a rare genetic condition, because of which his hands and feet are fused-like. The disease causes abnormal fusion of hands and feet. The rare condition only affects one in 10 lakh people. Mannu, who hails from the Koderma of the east Indian state of Jharkhand, is the eldest child of Anand Kumar, a small-time grocery shop owner, and Rani Devi, a housewife. Mannu also has one sister and the medical expenses of his condition are quite a burden on the family. His parents have spent a fortune on his treatment in the last two years. They have sold family property and jewelry to arrange funds for the boy's medication and diagnosis. Since his parents are uneducated they couldn't pick on the early signs of the disease and his diagnosis was made only this year in July. Now it is in an advanced stage and doctors have told them that it would take at least Rs 10 lakh for reconstructing Mannu’s hands and feet. Doctors informed the parents that the estimated cost of treatment, including neuro and plastic surgery procedures, would come to approximately Rs 10 lakh. Moreover, the family would have to shell out Rs 5 lakh for the treatment process to begin. Since the family has already exhausted all their resources in the last two years, on the boy's medication, they have started a fundraiser to raise money for his further treatment. His mother Devi said: ‘It is the curse of the God that my son was born like this and I am worried about his future. ‘I’m afraid he might struggle to lead a no
    MEGA177869_009.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Boy with webbed fingers, toes treated like a pariah in the neighborhood and at school, poor parents pin hope on crowdfunding to get their child treated By Sanjay Pandey in India Twelve-year-old Mannu Kumar is treated like a pariah in his neighborhood and at school because of his appearance. Mannu, standard III student, cannot run around like a regular boy of his age. He can't use hands for eating or any other purpose, nor can he wear shoes or slippers. Mannu suffers from Syndactyly, a rare genetic condition, because of which his hands and feet are fused-like. The disease causes abnormal fusion of hands and feet. The rare condition only affects one in 10 lakh people. Mannu, who hails from the Koderma of the east Indian state of Jharkhand, is the eldest child of Anand Kumar, a small-time grocery shop owner, and Rani Devi, a housewife. Mannu also has one sister and the medical expenses of his condition are quite a burden on the family. His parents have spent a fortune on his treatment in the last two years. They have sold family property and jewelry to arrange funds for the boy's medication and diagnosis. Since his parents are uneducated they couldn't pick on the early signs of the disease and his diagnosis was made only this year in July. Now it is in an advanced stage and doctors have told them that it would take at least Rs 10 lakh for reconstructing Mannu’s hands and feet. Doctors informed the parents that the estimated cost of treatment, including neuro and plastic surgery procedures, would come to approximately Rs 10 lakh. Moreover, the family would have to shell out Rs 5 lakh for the treatment process to begin. Since the family has already exhausted all their resources in the last two years, on the boy's medication, they have started a fundraiser to raise money for his further treatment. His mother Devi said: ‘It is the curse of the God that my son was born like this and I am worried about his future. ‘I’m afraid he might struggle to lead a no
    MEGA177869_002.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Boy with webbed fingers, toes treated like a pariah in the neighborhood and at school, poor parents pin hope on crowdfunding to get their child treated By Sanjay Pandey in India Twelve-year-old Mannu Kumar is treated like a pariah in his neighborhood and at school because of his appearance. Mannu, standard III student, cannot run around like a regular boy of his age. He can't use hands for eating or any other purpose, nor can he wear shoes or slippers. Mannu suffers from Syndactyly, a rare genetic condition, because of which his hands and feet are fused-like. The disease causes abnormal fusion of hands and feet. The rare condition only affects one in 10 lakh people. Mannu, who hails from the Koderma of the east Indian state of Jharkhand, is the eldest child of Anand Kumar, a small-time grocery shop owner, and Rani Devi, a housewife. Mannu also has one sister and the medical expenses of his condition are quite a burden on the family. His parents have spent a fortune on his treatment in the last two years. They have sold family property and jewelry to arrange funds for the boy's medication and diagnosis. Since his parents are uneducated they couldn't pick on the early signs of the disease and his diagnosis was made only this year in July. Now it is in an advanced stage and doctors have told them that it would take at least Rs 10 lakh for reconstructing Mannu’s hands and feet. Doctors informed the parents that the estimated cost of treatment, including neuro and plastic surgery procedures, would come to approximately Rs 10 lakh. Moreover, the family would have to shell out Rs 5 lakh for the treatment process to begin. Since the family has already exhausted all their resources in the last two years, on the boy's medication, they have started a fundraiser to raise money for his further treatment. His mother Devi said: ‘It is the curse of the God that my son was born like this and I am worried about his future. ‘I’m afraid he might struggle to lead a no
    MEGA177869_008.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Boy with webbed fingers, toes treated like a pariah in the neighborhood and at school, poor parents pin hope on crowdfunding to get their child treated By Sanjay Pandey in India Twelve-year-old Mannu Kumar is treated like a pariah in his neighborhood and at school because of his appearance. Mannu, standard III student, cannot run around like a regular boy of his age. He can't use hands for eating or any other purpose, nor can he wear shoes or slippers. Mannu suffers from Syndactyly, a rare genetic condition, because of which his hands and feet are fused-like. The disease causes abnormal fusion of hands and feet. The rare condition only affects one in 10 lakh people. Mannu, who hails from the Koderma of the east Indian state of Jharkhand, is the eldest child of Anand Kumar, a small-time grocery shop owner, and Rani Devi, a housewife. Mannu also has one sister and the medical expenses of his condition are quite a burden on the family. His parents have spent a fortune on his treatment in the last two years. They have sold family property and jewelry to arrange funds for the boy's medication and diagnosis. Since his parents are uneducated they couldn't pick on the early signs of the disease and his diagnosis was made only this year in July. Now it is in an advanced stage and doctors have told them that it would take at least Rs 10 lakh for reconstructing Mannu’s hands and feet. Doctors informed the parents that the estimated cost of treatment, including neuro and plastic surgery procedures, would come to approximately Rs 10 lakh. Moreover, the family would have to shell out Rs 5 lakh for the treatment process to begin. Since the family has already exhausted all their resources in the last two years, on the boy's medication, they have started a fundraiser to raise money for his further treatment. His mother Devi said: ‘It is the curse of the God that my son was born like this and I am worried about his future. ‘I’m afraid he might struggle to lead a no
    MEGA177869_006.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Boy with webbed fingers, toes treated like a pariah in the neighborhood and at school, poor parents pin hope on crowdfunding to get their child treated By Sanjay Pandey in India Twelve-year-old Mannu Kumar is treated like a pariah in his neighborhood and at school because of his appearance. Mannu, standard III student, cannot run around like a regular boy of his age. He can't use hands for eating or any other purpose, nor can he wear shoes or slippers. Mannu suffers from Syndactyly, a rare genetic condition, because of which his hands and feet are fused-like. The disease causes abnormal fusion of hands and feet. The rare condition only affects one in 10 lakh people. Mannu, who hails from the Koderma of the east Indian state of Jharkhand, is the eldest child of Anand Kumar, a small-time grocery shop owner, and Rani Devi, a housewife. Mannu also has one sister and the medical expenses of his condition are quite a burden on the family. His parents have spent a fortune on his treatment in the last two years. They have sold family property and jewelry to arrange funds for the boy's medication and diagnosis. Since his parents are uneducated they couldn't pick on the early signs of the disease and his diagnosis was made only this year in July. Now it is in an advanced stage and doctors have told them that it would take at least Rs 10 lakh for reconstructing Mannu’s hands and feet. Doctors informed the parents that the estimated cost of treatment, including neuro and plastic surgery procedures, would come to approximately Rs 10 lakh. Moreover, the family would have to shell out Rs 5 lakh for the treatment process to begin. Since the family has already exhausted all their resources in the last two years, on the boy's medication, they have started a fundraiser to raise money for his further treatment. His mother Devi said: ‘It is the curse of the God that my son was born like this and I am worried about his future. ‘I’m afraid he might struggle to lead a no
    MEGA177869_007.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Boy with webbed fingers, toes treated like a pariah in the neighborhood and at school, poor parents pin hope on crowdfunding to get their child treated By Sanjay Pandey in India Twelve-year-old Mannu Kumar is treated like a pariah in his neighborhood and at school because of his appearance. Mannu, standard III student, cannot run around like a regular boy of his age. He can't use hands for eating or any other purpose, nor can he wear shoes or slippers. Mannu suffers from Syndactyly, a rare genetic condition, because of which his hands and feet are fused-like. The disease causes abnormal fusion of hands and feet. The rare condition only affects one in 10 lakh people. Mannu, who hails from the Koderma of the east Indian state of Jharkhand, is the eldest child of Anand Kumar, a small-time grocery shop owner, and Rani Devi, a housewife. Mannu also has one sister and the medical expenses of his condition are quite a burden on the family. His parents have spent a fortune on his treatment in the last two years. They have sold family property and jewelry to arrange funds for the boy's medication and diagnosis. Since his parents are uneducated they couldn't pick on the early signs of the disease and his diagnosis was made only this year in July. Now it is in an advanced stage and doctors have told them that it would take at least Rs 10 lakh for reconstructing Mannu’s hands and feet. Doctors informed the parents that the estimated cost of treatment, including neuro and plastic surgery procedures, would come to approximately Rs 10 lakh. Moreover, the family would have to shell out Rs 5 lakh for the treatment process to begin. Since the family has already exhausted all their resources in the last two years, on the boy's medication, they have started a fundraiser to raise money for his further treatment. His mother Devi said: ‘It is the curse of the God that my son was born like this and I am worried about his future. ‘I’m afraid he might struggle to lead a no
    MEGA177869_004.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Boy with webbed fingers, toes treated like a pariah in the neighborhood and at school, poor parents pin hope on crowdfunding to get their child treated By Sanjay Pandey in India Twelve-year-old Mannu Kumar is treated like a pariah in his neighborhood and at school because of his appearance. Mannu, standard III student, cannot run around like a regular boy of his age. He can't use hands for eating or any other purpose, nor can he wear shoes or slippers. Mannu suffers from Syndactyly, a rare genetic condition, because of which his hands and feet are fused-like. The disease causes abnormal fusion of hands and feet. The rare condition only affects one in 10 lakh people. Mannu, who hails from the Koderma of the east Indian state of Jharkhand, is the eldest child of Anand Kumar, a small-time grocery shop owner, and Rani Devi, a housewife. Mannu also has one sister and the medical expenses of his condition are quite a burden on the family. His parents have spent a fortune on his treatment in the last two years. They have sold family property and jewelry to arrange funds for the boy's medication and diagnosis. Since his parents are uneducated they couldn't pick on the early signs of the disease and his diagnosis was made only this year in July. Now it is in an advanced stage and doctors have told them that it would take at least Rs 10 lakh for reconstructing Mannu’s hands and feet. Doctors informed the parents that the estimated cost of treatment, including neuro and plastic surgery procedures, would come to approximately Rs 10 lakh. Moreover, the family would have to shell out Rs 5 lakh for the treatment process to begin. Since the family has already exhausted all their resources in the last two years, on the boy's medication, they have started a fundraiser to raise money for his further treatment. His mother Devi said: ‘It is the curse of the God that my son was born like this and I am worried about his future. ‘I’m afraid he might struggle to lead a no
    MEGA177869_005.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Boy with webbed fingers, toes treated like a pariah in the neighborhood and at school, poor parents pin hope on crowdfunding to get their child treated By Sanjay Pandey in India Twelve-year-old Mannu Kumar is treated like a pariah in his neighborhood and at school because of his appearance. Mannu, standard III student, cannot run around like a regular boy of his age. He can't use hands for eating or any other purpose, nor can he wear shoes or slippers. Mannu suffers from Syndactyly, a rare genetic condition, because of which his hands and feet are fused-like. The disease causes abnormal fusion of hands and feet. The rare condition only affects one in 10 lakh people. Mannu, who hails from the Koderma of the east Indian state of Jharkhand, is the eldest child of Anand Kumar, a small-time grocery shop owner, and Rani Devi, a housewife. Mannu also has one sister and the medical expenses of his condition are quite a burden on the family. His parents have spent a fortune on his treatment in the last two years. They have sold family property and jewelry to arrange funds for the boy's medication and diagnosis. Since his parents are uneducated they couldn't pick on the early signs of the disease and his diagnosis was made only this year in July. Now it is in an advanced stage and doctors have told them that it would take at least Rs 10 lakh for reconstructing Mannu’s hands and feet. Doctors informed the parents that the estimated cost of treatment, including neuro and plastic surgery procedures, would come to approximately Rs 10 lakh. Moreover, the family would have to shell out Rs 5 lakh for the treatment process to begin. Since the family has already exhausted all their resources in the last two years, on the boy's medication, they have started a fundraiser to raise money for his further treatment. His mother Devi said: ‘It is the curse of the God that my son was born like this and I am worried about his future. ‘I’m afraid he might struggle to lead a no
    MEGA177869_011.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Boy with webbed fingers, toes treated like a pariah in the neighborhood and at school, poor parents pin hope on crowdfunding to get their child treated By Sanjay Pandey in India Twelve-year-old Mannu Kumar is treated like a pariah in his neighborhood and at school because of his appearance. Mannu, standard III student, cannot run around like a regular boy of his age. He can't use hands for eating or any other purpose, nor can he wear shoes or slippers. Mannu suffers from Syndactyly, a rare genetic condition, because of which his hands and feet are fused-like. The disease causes abnormal fusion of hands and feet. The rare condition only affects one in 10 lakh people. Mannu, who hails from the Koderma of the east Indian state of Jharkhand, is the eldest child of Anand Kumar, a small-time grocery shop owner, and Rani Devi, a housewife. Mannu also has one sister and the medical expenses of his condition are quite a burden on the family. His parents have spent a fortune on his treatment in the last two years. They have sold family property and jewelry to arrange funds for the boy's medication and diagnosis. Since his parents are uneducated they couldn't pick on the early signs of the disease and his diagnosis was made only this year in July. Now it is in an advanced stage and doctors have told them that it would take at least Rs 10 lakh for reconstructing Mannu’s hands and feet. Doctors informed the parents that the estimated cost of treatment, including neuro and plastic surgery procedures, would come to approximately Rs 10 lakh. Moreover, the family would have to shell out Rs 5 lakh for the treatment process to begin. Since the family has already exhausted all their resources in the last two years, on the boy's medication, they have started a fundraiser to raise money for his further treatment. His mother Devi said: ‘It is the curse of the God that my son was born like this and I am worried about his future. ‘I’m afraid he might struggle to lead a no
    MEGA177869_010.jpg
  • EXCLUSIVE: Boy with webbed fingers, toes treated like a pariah in the neighborhood and at school, poor parents pin hope on crowdfunding to get their child treated By Sanjay Pandey in India Twelve-year-old Mannu Kumar is treated like a pariah in his neighborhood and at school because of his appearance. Mannu, standard III student, cannot run around like a regular boy of his age. He can't use hands for eating or any other purpose, nor can he wear shoes or slippers. Mannu suffers from Syndactyly, a rare genetic condition, because of which his hands and feet are fused-like. The disease causes abnormal fusion of hands and feet. The rare condition only affects one in 10 lakh people. Mannu, who hails from the Koderma of the east Indian state of Jharkhand, is the eldest child of Anand Kumar, a small-time grocery shop owner, and Rani Devi, a housewife. Mannu also has one sister and the medical expenses of his condition are quite a burden on the family. His parents have spent a fortune on his treatment in the last two years. They have sold family property and jewelry to arrange funds for the boy's medication and diagnosis. Since his parents are uneducated they couldn't pick on the early signs of the disease and his diagnosis was made only this year in July. Now it is in an advanced stage and doctors have told them that it would take at least Rs 10 lakh for reconstructing Mannu’s hands and feet. Doctors informed the parents that the estimated cost of treatment, including neuro and plastic surgery procedures, would come to approximately Rs 10 lakh. Moreover, the family would have to shell out Rs 5 lakh for the treatment process to begin. Since the family has already exhausted all their resources in the last two years, on the boy's medication, they have started a fundraiser to raise money for his further treatment. His mother Devi said: ‘It is the curse of the God that my son was born like this and I am worried about his future. ‘I’m afraid he might struggle to lead a no
    MEGA177869_001.jpg
  • *PREMIUM EXCLUSIVE RATES. NO WEB UNTIL 18.45 BST MAY 15* Here’s royal bride-to-be Meghan Markle as the world has never seen her before. An incredible collection of 60 exclusive photographs offer a fascinating insight into the modest and ordinary childhood of the American woman who has captured the heart of Prince Harry. In one hilarious snap, Meghan, aged just five, is seen donning a crown as she imitates The Queen at a birthday party in Los Angeles. In another photo she is seen dressing up for Halloween as horror TV hostess Elvira complete with a black wig and dress while only seven-years-old. At the age of six she is seen posing with Mickey Mouse and other cartoon characters at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. Other photos show a teenage Meghan cuddling her father Thomas who will walk the 36-year-old actress down the aisle in a lavish ceremony at Windsor Castle. The photographs underline how Meghan’s life growing up with her mother Doria Ragland at the small two-bedroom, two-bathroom LA apartment is a far cry from the majesty and wealth of Britain’s Royal Family which will become her new life. A childhood friend said: “Meghan had the most normal upbringing you could imagine – but we always knew she was destined for great things. “Now she is set to live every girl’s dream and become a princess by marrying Prince Harry. “I am absolutely blown away that the ordinary little girl we knew growing up in a regular apartment in Southern California is going to be married to a member of the British Royal Family.” The friend recalled that curly-haired Meghan was just like any other kid growing up in the Mid-Wilshire area of LA and had friends from all races and background. “I think when she was growing up and around other kids she identified herself as African American,” said the friend. “Being bi-racial was never an issue for her. She didn’t know any difference and it was never a big thing for her. “I think it perhaps became more of an issue for her whe
    MEGA218658_004.jpg
  • *PREMIUM EXCLUSIVE RATES. NO WEB UNTIL 18.45 BST MAY 15* Here’s royal bride-to-be Meghan Markle as the world has never seen her before. An incredible collection of 60 exclusive photographs offer a fascinating insight into the modest and ordinary childhood of the American woman who has captured the heart of Prince Harry. In one hilarious snap, Meghan, aged just five, is seen donning a crown as she imitates The Queen at a birthday party in Los Angeles. In another photo she is seen dressing up for Halloween as horror TV hostess Elvira complete with a black wig and dress while only seven-years-old. At the age of six she is seen posing with Mickey Mouse and other cartoon characters at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. Other photos show a teenage Meghan cuddling her father Thomas who will walk the 36-year-old actress down the aisle in a lavish ceremony at Windsor Castle. The photographs underline how Meghan’s life growing up with her mother Doria Ragland at the small two-bedroom, two-bathroom LA apartment is a far cry from the majesty and wealth of Britain’s Royal Family which will become her new life. A childhood friend said: “Meghan had the most normal upbringing you could imagine – but we always knew she was destined for great things. “Now she is set to live every girl’s dream and become a princess by marrying Prince Harry. “I am absolutely blown away that the ordinary little girl we knew growing up in a regular apartment in Southern California is going to be married to a member of the British Royal Family.” The friend recalled that curly-haired Meghan was just like any other kid growing up in the Mid-Wilshire area of LA and had friends from all races and background. “I think when she was growing up and around other kids she identified herself as African American,” said the friend. “Being bi-racial was never an issue for her. She didn’t know any difference and it was never a big thing for her. “I think it perhaps became more of an issue for her whe
    MEGA218658_003.jpg
  • *PREMIUM EXCLUSIVE RATES. NO WEB UNTIL 18.45 BST MAY 15* Here’s royal bride-to-be Meghan Markle as the world has never seen her before. An incredible collection of 60 exclusive photographs offer a fascinating insight into the modest and ordinary childhood of the American woman who has captured the heart of Prince Harry. In one hilarious snap, Meghan, aged just five, is seen donning a crown as she imitates The Queen at a birthday party in Los Angeles. In another photo she is seen dressing up for Halloween as horror TV hostess Elvira complete with a black wig and dress while only seven-years-old. At the age of six she is seen posing with Mickey Mouse and other cartoon characters at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. Other photos show a teenage Meghan cuddling her father Thomas who will walk the 36-year-old actress down the aisle in a lavish ceremony at Windsor Castle. The photographs underline how Meghan’s life growing up with her mother Doria Ragland at the small two-bedroom, two-bathroom LA apartment is a far cry from the majesty and wealth of Britain’s Royal Family which will become her new life. A childhood friend said: “Meghan had the most normal upbringing you could imagine – but we always knew she was destined for great things. “Now she is set to live every girl’s dream and become a princess by marrying Prince Harry. “I am absolutely blown away that the ordinary little girl we knew growing up in a regular apartment in Southern California is going to be married to a member of the British Royal Family.” The friend recalled that curly-haired Meghan was just like any other kid growing up in the Mid-Wilshire area of LA and had friends from all races and background. “I think when she was growing up and around other kids she identified herself as African American,” said the friend. “Being bi-racial was never an issue for her. She didn’t know any difference and it was never a big thing for her. “I think it perhaps became more of an issue for her whe
    MEGA218658_002.jpg
  • *PREMIUM EXCLUSIVE RATES. NO WEB UNTIL 18.45 BST MAY 15* Here’s royal bride-to-be Meghan Markle as the world has never seen her before. An incredible collection of 60 exclusive photographs offer a fascinating insight into the modest and ordinary childhood of the American woman who has captured the heart of Prince Harry. In one hilarious snap, Meghan, aged just five, is seen donning a crown as she imitates The Queen at a birthday party in Los Angeles. In another photo she is seen dressing up for Halloween as horror TV hostess Elvira complete with a black wig and dress while only seven-years-old. At the age of six she is seen posing with Mickey Mouse and other cartoon characters at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. Other photos show a teenage Meghan cuddling her father Thomas who will walk the 36-year-old actress down the aisle in a lavish ceremony at Windsor Castle. The photographs underline how Meghan’s life growing up with her mother Doria Ragland at the small two-bedroom, two-bathroom LA apartment is a far cry from the majesty and wealth of Britain’s Royal Family which will become her new life. A childhood friend said: “Meghan had the most normal upbringing you could imagine – but we always knew she was destined for great things. “Now she is set to live every girl’s dream and become a princess by marrying Prince Harry. “I am absolutely blown away that the ordinary little girl we knew growing up in a regular apartment in Southern California is going to be married to a member of the British Royal Family.” The friend recalled that curly-haired Meghan was just like any other kid growing up in the Mid-Wilshire area of LA and had friends from all races and background. “I think when she was growing up and around other kids she identified herself as African American,” said the friend. “Being bi-racial was never an issue for her. She didn’t know any difference and it was never a big thing for her. “I think it perhaps became more of an issue for her whe
    MEGA218658_007.jpg
  • *PREMIUM EXCLUSIVE RATES. NO WEB UNTIL 18.45 BST MAY 15* Here’s royal bride-to-be Meghan Markle as the world has never seen her before. An incredible collection of 60 exclusive photographs offer a fascinating insight into the modest and ordinary childhood of the American woman who has captured the heart of Prince Harry. In one hilarious snap, Meghan, aged just five, is seen donning a crown as she imitates The Queen at a birthday party in Los Angeles. In another photo she is seen dressing up for Halloween as horror TV hostess Elvira complete with a black wig and dress while only seven-years-old. At the age of six she is seen posing with Mickey Mouse and other cartoon characters at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. Other photos show a teenage Meghan cuddling her father Thomas who will walk the 36-year-old actress down the aisle in a lavish ceremony at Windsor Castle. The photographs underline how Meghan’s life growing up with her mother Doria Ragland at the small two-bedroom, two-bathroom LA apartment is a far cry from the majesty and wealth of Britain’s Royal Family which will become her new life. A childhood friend said: “Meghan had the most normal upbringing you could imagine – but we always knew she was destined for great things. “Now she is set to live every girl’s dream and become a princess by marrying Prince Harry. “I am absolutely blown away that the ordinary little girl we knew growing up in a regular apartment in Southern California is going to be married to a member of the British Royal Family.” The friend recalled that curly-haired Meghan was just like any other kid growing up in the Mid-Wilshire area of LA and had friends from all races and background. “I think when she was growing up and around other kids she identified herself as African American,” said the friend. “Being bi-racial was never an issue for her. She didn’t know any difference and it was never a big thing for her. “I think it perhaps became more of an issue for her whe
    MEGA218658_005.jpg
  • *PREMIUM EXCLUSIVE RATES. NO WEB UNTIL 18.45 BST MAY 15* Here’s royal bride-to-be Meghan Markle as the world has never seen her before. An incredible collection of 60 exclusive photographs offer a fascinating insight into the modest and ordinary childhood of the American woman who has captured the heart of Prince Harry. In one hilarious snap, Meghan, aged just five, is seen donning a crown as she imitates The Queen at a birthday party in Los Angeles. In another photo she is seen dressing up for Halloween as horror TV hostess Elvira complete with a black wig and dress while only seven-years-old. At the age of six she is seen posing with Mickey Mouse and other cartoon characters at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. Other photos show a teenage Meghan cuddling her father Thomas who will walk the 36-year-old actress down the aisle in a lavish ceremony at Windsor Castle. The photographs underline how Meghan’s life growing up with her mother Doria Ragland at the small two-bedroom, two-bathroom LA apartment is a far cry from the majesty and wealth of Britain’s Royal Family which will become her new life. A childhood friend said: “Meghan had the most normal upbringing you could imagine – but we always knew she was destined for great things. “Now she is set to live every girl’s dream and become a princess by marrying Prince Harry. “I am absolutely blown away that the ordinary little girl we knew growing up in a regular apartment in Southern California is going to be married to a member of the British Royal Family.” The friend recalled that curly-haired Meghan was just like any other kid growing up in the Mid-Wilshire area of LA and had friends from all races and background. “I think when she was growing up and around other kids she identified herself as African American,” said the friend. “Being bi-racial was never an issue for her. She didn’t know any difference and it was never a big thing for her. “I think it perhaps became more of an issue for her whe
    MEGA218658_009.jpg
  • *PREMIUM EXCLUSIVE RATES. NO WEB UNTIL 18.45 BST MAY 15* Here’s royal bride-to-be Meghan Markle as the world has never seen her before. An incredible collection of 60 exclusive photographs offer a fascinating insight into the modest and ordinary childhood of the American woman who has captured the heart of Prince Harry. In one hilarious snap, Meghan, aged just five, is seen donning a crown as she imitates The Queen at a birthday party in Los Angeles. In another photo she is seen dressing up for Halloween as horror TV hostess Elvira complete with a black wig and dress while only seven-years-old. At the age of six she is seen posing with Mickey Mouse and other cartoon characters at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. Other photos show a teenage Meghan cuddling her father Thomas who will walk the 36-year-old actress down the aisle in a lavish ceremony at Windsor Castle. The photographs underline how Meghan’s life growing up with her mother Doria Ragland at the small two-bedroom, two-bathroom LA apartment is a far cry from the majesty and wealth of Britain’s Royal Family which will become her new life. A childhood friend said: “Meghan had the most normal upbringing you could imagine – but we always knew she was destined for great things. “Now she is set to live every girl’s dream and become a princess by marrying Prince Harry. “I am absolutely blown away that the ordinary little girl we knew growing up in a regular apartment in Southern California is going to be married to a member of the British Royal Family.” The friend recalled that curly-haired Meghan was just like any other kid growing up in the Mid-Wilshire area of LA and had friends from all races and background. “I think when she was growing up and around other kids she identified herself as African American,” said the friend. “Being bi-racial was never an issue for her. She didn’t know any difference and it was never a big thing for her. “I think it perhaps became more of an issue for her whe
    MEGA218658_010.jpg
  • *PREMIUM EXCLUSIVE RATES. NO WEB UNTIL 18.45 BST MAY 15* Here’s royal bride-to-be Meghan Markle as the world has never seen her before. An incredible collection of 60 exclusive photographs offer a fascinating insight into the modest and ordinary childhood of the American woman who has captured the heart of Prince Harry. In one hilarious snap, Meghan, aged just five, is seen donning a crown as she imitates The Queen at a birthday party in Los Angeles. In another photo she is seen dressing up for Halloween as horror TV hostess Elvira complete with a black wig and dress while only seven-years-old. At the age of six she is seen posing with Mickey Mouse and other cartoon characters at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. Other photos show a teenage Meghan cuddling her father Thomas who will walk the 36-year-old actress down the aisle in a lavish ceremony at Windsor Castle. The photographs underline how Meghan’s life growing up with her mother Doria Ragland at the small two-bedroom, two-bathroom LA apartment is a far cry from the majesty and wealth of Britain’s Royal Family which will become her new life. A childhood friend said: “Meghan had the most normal upbringing you could imagine – but we always knew she was destined for great things. “Now she is set to live every girl’s dream and become a princess by marrying Prince Harry. “I am absolutely blown away that the ordinary little girl we knew growing up in a regular apartment in Southern California is going to be married to a member of the British Royal Family.” The friend recalled that curly-haired Meghan was just like any other kid growing up in the Mid-Wilshire area of LA and had friends from all races and background. “I think when she was growing up and around other kids she identified herself as African American,” said the friend. “Being bi-racial was never an issue for her. She didn’t know any difference and it was never a big thing for her. “I think it perhaps became more of an issue for her whe
    MEGA218658_011.jpg
  • *PREMIUM EXCLUSIVE RATES. NO WEB UNTIL 18.45 BST MAY 15* Here’s royal bride-to-be Meghan Markle as the world has never seen her before. An incredible collection of 60 exclusive photographs offer a fascinating insight into the modest and ordinary childhood of the American woman who has captured the heart of Prince Harry. In one hilarious snap, Meghan, aged just five, is seen donning a crown as she imitates The Queen at a birthday party in Los Angeles. In another photo she is seen dressing up for Halloween as horror TV hostess Elvira complete with a black wig and dress while only seven-years-old. At the age of six she is seen posing with Mickey Mouse and other cartoon characters at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. Other photos show a teenage Meghan cuddling her father Thomas who will walk the 36-year-old actress down the aisle in a lavish ceremony at Windsor Castle. The photographs underline how Meghan’s life growing up with her mother Doria Ragland at the small two-bedroom, two-bathroom LA apartment is a far cry from the majesty and wealth of Britain’s Royal Family which will become her new life. A childhood friend said: “Meghan had the most normal upbringing you could imagine – but we always knew she was destined for great things. “Now she is set to live every girl’s dream and become a princess by marrying Prince Harry. “I am absolutely blown away that the ordinary little girl we knew growing up in a regular apartment in Southern California is going to be married to a member of the British Royal Family.” The friend recalled that curly-haired Meghan was just like any other kid growing up in the Mid-Wilshire area of LA and had friends from all races and background. “I think when she was growing up and around other kids she identified herself as African American,” said the friend. “Being bi-racial was never an issue for her. She didn’t know any difference and it was never a big thing for her. “I think it perhaps became more of an issue for her whe
    MEGA218658_019.jpg
  • *PREMIUM EXCLUSIVE RATES. NO WEB UNTIL 18.45 BST MAY 15* Here’s royal bride-to-be Meghan Markle as the world has never seen her before. An incredible collection of 60 exclusive photographs offer a fascinating insight into the modest and ordinary childhood of the American woman who has captured the heart of Prince Harry. In one hilarious snap, Meghan, aged just five, is seen donning a crown as she imitates The Queen at a birthday party in Los Angeles. In another photo she is seen dressing up for Halloween as horror TV hostess Elvira complete with a black wig and dress while only seven-years-old. At the age of six she is seen posing with Mickey Mouse and other cartoon characters at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. Other photos show a teenage Meghan cuddling her father Thomas who will walk the 36-year-old actress down the aisle in a lavish ceremony at Windsor Castle. The photographs underline how Meghan’s life growing up with her mother Doria Ragland at the small two-bedroom, two-bathroom LA apartment is a far cry from the majesty and wealth of Britain’s Royal Family which will become her new life. A childhood friend said: “Meghan had the most normal upbringing you could imagine – but we always knew she was destined for great things. “Now she is set to live every girl’s dream and become a princess by marrying Prince Harry. “I am absolutely blown away that the ordinary little girl we knew growing up in a regular apartment in Southern California is going to be married to a member of the British Royal Family.” The friend recalled that curly-haired Meghan was just like any other kid growing up in the Mid-Wilshire area of LA and had friends from all races and background. “I think when she was growing up and around other kids she identified herself as African American,” said the friend. “Being bi-racial was never an issue for her. She didn’t know any difference and it was never a big thing for her. “I think it perhaps became more of an issue for her whe
    MEGA218658_012.jpg
  • *PREMIUM EXCLUSIVE RATES. NO WEB UNTIL 18.45 BST MAY 15* Here’s royal bride-to-be Meghan Markle as the world has never seen her before. An incredible collection of 60 exclusive photographs offer a fascinating insight into the modest and ordinary childhood of the American woman who has captured the heart of Prince Harry. In one hilarious snap, Meghan, aged just five, is seen donning a crown as she imitates The Queen at a birthday party in Los Angeles. In another photo she is seen dressing up for Halloween as horror TV hostess Elvira complete with a black wig and dress while only seven-years-old. At the age of six she is seen posing with Mickey Mouse and other cartoon characters at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. Other photos show a teenage Meghan cuddling her father Thomas who will walk the 36-year-old actress down the aisle in a lavish ceremony at Windsor Castle. The photographs underline how Meghan’s life growing up with her mother Doria Ragland at the small two-bedroom, two-bathroom LA apartment is a far cry from the majesty and wealth of Britain’s Royal Family which will become her new life. A childhood friend said: “Meghan had the most normal upbringing you could imagine – but we always knew she was destined for great things. “Now she is set to live every girl’s dream and become a princess by marrying Prince Harry. “I am absolutely blown away that the ordinary little girl we knew growing up in a regular apartment in Southern California is going to be married to a member of the British Royal Family.” The friend recalled that curly-haired Meghan was just like any other kid growing up in the Mid-Wilshire area of LA and had friends from all races and background. “I think when she was growing up and around other kids she identified herself as African American,” said the friend. “Being bi-racial was never an issue for her. She didn’t know any difference and it was never a big thing for her. “I think it perhaps became more of an issue for her whe
    MEGA218658_017.jpg
  • *PREMIUM EXCLUSIVE RATES. NO WEB UNTIL 18.45 BST MAY 15* Here’s royal bride-to-be Meghan Markle as the world has never seen her before. An incredible collection of 60 exclusive photographs offer a fascinating insight into the modest and ordinary childhood of the American woman who has captured the heart of Prince Harry. In one hilarious snap, Meghan, aged just five, is seen donning a crown as she imitates The Queen at a birthday party in Los Angeles. In another photo she is seen dressing up for Halloween as horror TV hostess Elvira complete with a black wig and dress while only seven-years-old. At the age of six she is seen posing with Mickey Mouse and other cartoon characters at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. Other photos show a teenage Meghan cuddling her father Thomas who will walk the 36-year-old actress down the aisle in a lavish ceremony at Windsor Castle. The photographs underline how Meghan’s life growing up with her mother Doria Ragland at the small two-bedroom, two-bathroom LA apartment is a far cry from the majesty and wealth of Britain’s Royal Family which will become her new life. A childhood friend said: “Meghan had the most normal upbringing you could imagine – but we always knew she was destined for great things. “Now she is set to live every girl’s dream and become a princess by marrying Prince Harry. “I am absolutely blown away that the ordinary little girl we knew growing up in a regular apartment in Southern California is going to be married to a member of the British Royal Family.” The friend recalled that curly-haired Meghan was just like any other kid growing up in the Mid-Wilshire area of LA and had friends from all races and background. “I think when she was growing up and around other kids she identified herself as African American,” said the friend. “Being bi-racial was never an issue for her. She didn’t know any difference and it was never a big thing for her. “I think it perhaps became more of an issue for her whe
    MEGA218658_018.jpg
  • *PREMIUM EXCLUSIVE RATES. NO WEB UNTIL 18.45 BST MAY 15* Here’s royal bride-to-be Meghan Markle as the world has never seen her before. An incredible collection of 60 exclusive photographs offer a fascinating insight into the modest and ordinary childhood of the American woman who has captured the heart of Prince Harry. In one hilarious snap, Meghan, aged just five, is seen donning a crown as she imitates The Queen at a birthday party in Los Angeles. In another photo she is seen dressing up for Halloween as horror TV hostess Elvira complete with a black wig and dress while only seven-years-old. At the age of six she is seen posing with Mickey Mouse and other cartoon characters at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. Other photos show a teenage Meghan cuddling her father Thomas who will walk the 36-year-old actress down the aisle in a lavish ceremony at Windsor Castle. The photographs underline how Meghan’s life growing up with her mother Doria Ragland at the small two-bedroom, two-bathroom LA apartment is a far cry from the majesty and wealth of Britain’s Royal Family which will become her new life. A childhood friend said: “Meghan had the most normal upbringing you could imagine – but we always knew she was destined for great things. “Now she is set to live every girl’s dream and become a princess by marrying Prince Harry. “I am absolutely blown away that the ordinary little girl we knew growing up in a regular apartment in Southern California is going to be married to a member of the British Royal Family.” The friend recalled that curly-haired Meghan was just like any other kid growing up in the Mid-Wilshire area of LA and had friends from all races and background. “I think when she was growing up and around other kids she identified herself as African American,” said the friend. “Being bi-racial was never an issue for her. She didn’t know any difference and it was never a big thing for her. “I think it perhaps became more of an issue for her whe
    MEGA218658_016.jpg
  • *PREMIUM EXCLUSIVE RATES. NO WEB UNTIL 18.45 BST MAY 15* Here’s royal bride-to-be Meghan Markle as the world has never seen her before. An incredible collection of 60 exclusive photographs offer a fascinating insight into the modest and ordinary childhood of the American woman who has captured the heart of Prince Harry. In one hilarious snap, Meghan, aged just five, is seen donning a crown as she imitates The Queen at a birthday party in Los Angeles. In another photo she is seen dressing up for Halloween as horror TV hostess Elvira complete with a black wig and dress while only seven-years-old. At the age of six she is seen posing with Mickey Mouse and other cartoon characters at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. Other photos show a teenage Meghan cuddling her father Thomas who will walk the 36-year-old actress down the aisle in a lavish ceremony at Windsor Castle. The photographs underline how Meghan’s life growing up with her mother Doria Ragland at the small two-bedroom, two-bathroom LA apartment is a far cry from the majesty and wealth of Britain’s Royal Family which will become her new life. A childhood friend said: “Meghan had the most normal upbringing you could imagine – but we always knew she was destined for great things. “Now she is set to live every girl’s dream and become a princess by marrying Prince Harry. “I am absolutely blown away that the ordinary little girl we knew growing up in a regular apartment in Southern California is going to be married to a member of the British Royal Family.” The friend recalled that curly-haired Meghan was just like any other kid growing up in the Mid-Wilshire area of LA and had friends from all races and background. “I think when she was growing up and around other kids she identified herself as African American,” said the friend. “Being bi-racial was never an issue for her. She didn’t know any difference and it was never a big thing for her. “I think it perhaps became more of an issue for her whe
    MEGA218658_015.jpg
  • *PREMIUM EXCLUSIVE RATES. NO WEB UNTIL 18.45 BST MAY 15* Here’s royal bride-to-be Meghan Markle as the world has never seen her before. An incredible collection of 60 exclusive photographs offer a fascinating insight into the modest and ordinary childhood of the American woman who has captured the heart of Prince Harry. In one hilarious snap, Meghan, aged just five, is seen donning a crown as she imitates The Queen at a birthday party in Los Angeles. In another photo she is seen dressing up for Halloween as horror TV hostess Elvira complete with a black wig and dress while only seven-years-old. At the age of six she is seen posing with Mickey Mouse and other cartoon characters at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. Other photos show a teenage Meghan cuddling her father Thomas who will walk the 36-year-old actress down the aisle in a lavish ceremony at Windsor Castle. The photographs underline how Meghan’s life growing up with her mother Doria Ragland at the small two-bedroom, two-bathroom LA apartment is a far cry from the majesty and wealth of Britain’s Royal Family which will become her new life. A childhood friend said: “Meghan had the most normal upbringing you could imagine – but we always knew she was destined for great things. “Now she is set to live every girl’s dream and become a princess by marrying Prince Harry. “I am absolutely blown away that the ordinary little girl we knew growing up in a regular apartment in Southern California is going to be married to a member of the British Royal Family.” The friend recalled that curly-haired Meghan was just like any other kid growing up in the Mid-Wilshire area of LA and had friends from all races and background. “I think when she was growing up and around other kids she identified herself as African American,” said the friend. “Being bi-racial was never an issue for her. She didn’t know any difference and it was never a big thing for her. “I think it perhaps became more of an issue for her whe
    MEGA218658_014.jpg
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