Towards the end of April this year, Shakuntala Gayan Sardar, fondly known as Mona, suffered an ischemic stroke. Mona, a domestic worker, was then eight months pregnant and was also suffering from dengue and a severe urinary tract infection.

The stroke left her paralysed on the right side and she also lost the right field of vision in both her eyes .

It was then that Bengalurean Suman Bolar started an online campaign on Milaap to raise funds for Mona's treatment in the St. John's hospital in the city. 

The campaign has, at the time of writing, raised Rs 6,90,507 of the Rs 10 lakh, which is the goal. 

The campaign regularly posts updates regarding Mona's ongoing treatment and Keya, her daughter. Keya was born in May and is currently being looked after by a foster mother.

On Wednesday, the campaign reached a milestone when Mona took Keya in her arms for the first time. 

Thanking those who contributed and urging more people to come forward to help them reach their goal, the campaigner wrote, "While she has made huge strides, Mona still cannot use her right hand. She's also still unable to speak. She will remain in hospital for a couple more weeks, and will need ongoing therapy during the coming year. Kamal (Mona's husband) will be unable to earn as Mona and Keya will need his care full-time."

To contribute, visit You managed to #savemona. She still needs funds for long-term care.

What is an Ischemic stroke? 

According to the American Stroke Association, "Ischemic strokes occur as a result of an obstruction within a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain. The underlying condition for this type of obstruction is the development of fatty deposits lining the vessel walls. This condition is called atherosclerosis."