A teenage girl, 18 years of age is demanding a surgical operation that could cost her life although many doctors are against it.
The girl who has been suffering from a life-threatening tumour covering one side of her face, has been abandoned by her father.
According to her, her father left after he became ashamed of her disfigurement.
The growth has left Salibunnisa, from the north Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, blind in one eye, as well as in excruciating pain each day.
Salibunnisa, who suffers from neurofibromatosis, is now forced to rely on her mother Mehrunissa, 40, who works multiple jobs just to make ends meet.
Unable to take the cruel torments of bullies, Salibunnisa dropped out of school, saying: ‘People stare at me, say harsh words to me. The girls in my neighborhood ignore me because I don’t look pretty.’
Doctors claim surgery is too risky, yet the teenager is loosing sight in her other eye unless she receives urgent treatment.
Salibunnisa, who lives as a recluse, said: ‘I want to get my surgery done even if it costs my life.
She indicated that she is fed up with everything and wishes she could look normal.
After receiving no financial help from the Government, Salibunnisa and her family are appealing to the public to assist them in funding her surgery.
Aside from the emotional strain, Salibunissa’s tumours also cause her agonising physical pain.
She said: ‘They hurt while bathing, wearing clothes, cleaning utensils, eating and cooking.
‘When I watch TV, tears well up in my eye.’
Despite all everything she has endured, Salibunnisa still has positive hopes for the future.
She said: ‘I am completely blinded in one eye. But I am going to continue my studies come what may.
‘If I get some help with the treatment, I would like to complete my formal studies. I want to become a teacher.’
Salibunnisa has becomes so desperate she is willing to have the life-threatening surgery.
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common genetic condition that affects one in 3,000 people in the UK to some extent.
It’s caused by a genetic mutation that affects nerve tissue growth.
Around half of cases are inherited from a parent and the other half occur spontaneously.
Early symptoms include flat brown birthmarks, and lumps and bumps in unusual places.
It is also associated with mild learning difficulties, although most people with NF1 are otherwise healthy and live to a normal life expectancy.
There is no cure, however, surgery can be performed to remove the benign growths.
Report by: Stephanie Horsu
