PANAJI
From part-time job invites to an award-winning and US-based Goan scientist offering to keep her informed of the latest advances in medical sciences, Sabina Da Cunha of Parra has received several messages of appreciation and support.
Sabina Da Cunha (36), a postgraduate in chemistry, was forced to quit her career in Dubai and attend to her son Samuel (5) who has been diagnosed with a rare bleeding disorder, Glanzmann thrombasthenia, which causes continuous bleeding even with slight injuries.
Forced to make ends meet, Sabina has been compelled to take up Mollam (coconut leaf weaving) workshops and part-time jobs, as she has to attend to Samuel, as well as her other two children Melissa (6) and Jaden (1).
Since Samuel’s disorder is not yet considered in the Disability Act 2016, he is not entitled to any benefits, adding to further difficulties for Sabina.
After her story appeared in The Goan Xtra-Special column on June 18, Sabina received several messages of praise, support and offers of part-time jobs.
Hemophilia Society (Panjim Chapter) posted this message on Twitter: “Sabina, a true champion for moms raising children with bleeding disorders! As a women's Group Leader of @goahemophilia, Panaji Chapter, she's a guiding light, offering support, and endless inspiration. Keep shining, Sabina! #1nspiringMoms."
Award-winning Goan scientist Dr Donald Pinto, who is presently based in the US and was recently featured in The Global Goenkar section of The Goan, has even offered to check with other specialists regarding Samuel’s life-threatening illness.
In a message to The Goan, Dr Pinto said: “A very touching story. Unfortunately, this is a rare genetic inherited blood clotting disease whereby, the platelets are impaired by the deficiency in platelet protein GPIIb/IIIa which unfortunately, if provoked, leads to excessive bleeding. Currently, there is no known cure but it is treated with regular platelet infusion,” said Dr Pinto.
“If I find anything useful for the child, I will pass it on. I will also enquire with other specialists to see if they have a solution. If any clinical trials appear, I will alert her,” assured Dr Pinto.
Sabina also received messages of support from well-wishers.
“I’m truly touched...if you want to conduct any workshop, our store premises will be offered free for you. If I can do anything more, do let me know,” was one such message to her.
“I also received an offer to sell hygiene products on a commission basis,” said Sabina.
The article also prompted several messages from people praising Sabina for facing adversity with determination.
“Salute to you Sabina. Very inspiring article”.....“Great job, God bless you always”.....“Sabina, you are simply super mother”.....“Sabina, you are the greatest Mother in the World,”.....“Kudos to you and your strength”.....“Well done dear, that's what is love and sacrifice is all about,”.....“Great going Sabina, your determination will go a long way, keep up the fight, well done,”.....“What a courageous young mum”.....“Sabina is a brave and a strong woman. She is facing her challenges well. God bless and her family,” were some of the many messages in response to Sabina’s story.
Overwhelmed by the messages of support, a grateful Sabina said: “This is amazing...Thanks a million to The Goan. I thank everyone for taking so much interest in my little world. I do hope my story not only inspires other parents faced with a similar situation, but it also reaches out to people and some contact me for any home part-time work.”
