Twenty-seven-year-old Nijisha has much to thank the bus operators and the people of Kozhikode.

Diagnosed with Wilson’s disease, a rare genetic disorder more than fifteen years ago, Nijisha was advised by doctors to undergo a liver transplant by September this year.    

While her husband Sudheer will donate a part of his liver, the family was uncertain about how they would raise Rs 25 lakh needed for the surgery in such a short time.

On Monday, bus operators came to Nijisha’s rescue. Six private buses plying on Kozhikode-Atholi route in the district pledged their day’s collection towards her treatment.

Beeran Kutty, owner of Shifa Bus said that they have been able to raise Rs 25,000 as opposed to the normal daily collection of Rs.8000. With posters of Nijisha and her medical story posted on the doors of the bus, Beeran said, the fundraising garnered immense support.

 “We told the passengers that today’s collection will completely go to the woman’s family and they were all glad to contribute as much as they can. Most of them did not take back the change,” he said.

A native of Eranhikkal village in Kozhikode district, Nijisha and her family also have their villagers to thank. In June this year, a committee was formed in Eranhikkal to raise fund for Nijisha's treatment, whose family is not financially well-off. 

They have since been trying to collect as much amount as possible through various means.

When the representatives of the committee approached Sreedharan, the secretary of Kozhikode Bus Owner’s Association and pitched the idea, he readily agreed.

“I am a local resident and have been aware of her troubles. So when the committee members approached us, we didn’t have to think twice before agreeing. After all, it is for the well-being of a human life,” he said.

The family has been able to raise Rs.10 lakh so far.