A childhood tumor on her spine at the age of two months left Mallika a paraplegic, paralyzed from the waist down. Now, a brilliant 13-year-old with a positive attitude and a beautiful smile, Mallika is an inspiration and a vibrant part of our community. She has grown up using a wheelchair and a standing frame. In spite of her different abilities, Mallika participates in all extra curricular activities at school like wheelchair gymnastics, swimming, biking, robotics, drama, singing, playing various musical instruments, cheerleading and dancing, and wheelchair basketball. She excels in her class and is an honor roll student at Alta Sierra. Mallika wants to be a pediatrician when she grows up to help young children. She is on the team of junior barrier breakers at a local non-profit organization called “Break the Barriers”. Her mother has dedicated her life and gave up her management career to take care of Mallika’s day-to-day needs.
Mallika does intensive physical and rehabilitative therapies every year and many times she and her mother have to travel to specialized therapy centers like SCI –FIT in the bay area, Project Walk in San Diego, and Kennedy Krieger in Baltimore during her school breaks. Most of these programs are not covered by insurance and cost thousands of dollars each year. The family also has astronomical out-of-pocket costs for in-home rehab equipment, a wheelchair accessible vehicle, and home modifications so Mallika can easily navigate her home. Lastly, and most promisingly, a company in Berkeley that makes EKSOBIONICS, which is a wearable suit that would allow Mallika to walk and take steps on her own, is developing a pediatric version and is considering Mallika as an initial tester. This will cost upwards of $120,000.
Updates (3)
January 4, 2018
We are of to a great start on our efforts to raise the funds for Mallika's body suit from Ekso. We are now at approx 20% of the goal which is very encouraging. We are hopeful that by mid 2018 we should be able to get closer to the finish line. We are already in talks with the manufacturers of the Ekso suit and she is being evaluated for the trial.
Once again we sincerely and from the bottom of our hearts Thank each and everyone of you , who have contributed in any possible way by either giving or sharing her story within your networks.
All donations received on or before Dec 31st 2017 in the amounts above $250 automatically qualify the donors for receiving a tax deduction letter from Help Hope Live that you may use for your taxes for 2017.
Once again THANK you from our family to yours.
Kind Regards from
Mahendru Family
December 3, 2017
We are trying to raise funds for Mallika before the end of the tax year 2017 to get her access to a robotic mobilization device called the TEK RMD
The device costs $20,000.00 and insurance does not cover any portion of it. This device will help her get up on her feet every day which we able bodied humans take for granted.
Standing for five times every week can help improve bone density, bladder and bowel function, digestion, circulation and respiratory function as well as psychological wellbeing.
She will have the ability to stand with her peers and friends in school and with family members in the house and be able to help with daily activity and chores which will tremendously increase and boost her confidence and self esteem.
Here is the Link to the device manufacturer website for more information
We would like to remind thrall donors that all of their donations are fully tax deducible when they donate via this website.
Photo Galleries (2)
Guestbook
January 4, 2018
When you keep your face to the Sunshine, you will not see the Shadows. Be positive, Mallika!
Jayashree, Sri, Vinita, & Varun
January 1, 2018
Sending our best wishes and love to dearest Mallika and family❤️.
Aradhana, Pramode and family.
December 23, 2017
Mallika,
You are such an extraordinary girl full of joy and happiness. We wish you nothing but the best and all the success in the years to come.
Deepta Aunty & Arun Uncle
