Good Samaritans support Jasminda Chand after story moves nation

Nineteen-year-old Jasminda Chand cannot walk far, but the love of her father and sister has carried her further than most.

Since this masthead published her story last week, thousands of Fijians have read it and reached out. Many were moved by the image of a dairy farmer carrying his daughter into the High Court in Suva, and by the quiet strength of a young woman determined to fulfil her mother’s dying wish.

“I never thought people would notice us like this,” her father, Mahendra Chand, said. “But they have. I am just so happy and proud to be her father.”

Since the story was published, $2700 has been deposited into Mr Chand’s M-PAiSA account by classmates, strangers and a donor in Australia who sent $100 after reading the article.

A former secondary school friend donated $1000 yesterday.

More contributions are expected over the weekend.

“There was nothing in the account before the story came out,” Mr Chand said. “And then it all changed.”

Support has extended beyond money.

Well-wishers have offered wheelchairs, and one person even offered a car. But Jasminda is not one to simply accept what is handed to her.

She can walk about 50 steps at a time before her father or sister carries her, then sets her down to continue. She believes accepting too much help will make her weaker.

“If I stay independent now, I will not have to depend on others later,” she said.

Jasminda is waiting for her visa to travel to Shriners Children’s Hospital in Hawaii, where her medical care has been sponsored.

The family still needs assistance to cover flights and accommodation. What moved many Fijians most, however, was not just her condition, but the support of her family.

Jasminda’s elder sister, Shakuntala, 21, has given up work to care for her full-time.

Each day, they travel at least two hours from Viria, Naitasiri, to the University of the South Pacific’s Laucala campus in Suva, where Jasminda is in her second year of a law degree, honouring a promise to her late mother.

Mr Chand’s message to other parents raising children with disabilities was simple: “It is not their fault; it just happened. Walk with them, guide them. They can still achieve their goals.”

Donations: M-PAiSA number: 2182743