Radhika joined her American family in December 2020, at the age of three. Her new parents flew to India to get her from an orphanage. They knew she had many physical challenges to overcome, and they wanted to give her a place to grow and heal in a safe, loving environment.
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nRadhika had a rough start in her life as she was abandoned as an infant’ left in a rickshaw, a small ‘human-powered vehicle’ commonly used as transportation in India.
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nRadhika had hydrocephalus from birth, and she needs help to do everything you and I take for granted. 90 percent of the white matter in her brain is damaged. She has cerebral palsy from the hydrocephalus.
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nRadhika cannot walk, talk, or eat independently. She still can only be fed soft foods. She will turn 4 in November, but intellectually she is like a 9-month-old.
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nRadhika has been hospitalized three times for seizures. Thankfully, she has not had a seizure since July.
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nRadhika has been making progress with the help of regular physical and occupational therapy. She now has a walker and stander to help with her muscle strength and mobility.
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nDespite all her medical challenges, Radhika doesn’t give up! Her laughter and smiles bring so much joy to her family. She has four siblings. She likes when people sing her nursery rhymes, and she loves her favorite light-up toy.
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nRadhika will be adopted as a Sparrow to Ridgeview High School. Ridgeview students will work hard to raise money for Radhika through sponsored community service.