Kanha was born in 2002 as a ‘micro preemie’ weighing a mere 720 grams in Indianapolis. Along with broncho pulmonary dysplasia (BPD), he developed atrial septal defect (ASD) and pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) at the age of 5 months and had an open heart-lung surgery for ASD repair and fixing PVS at the age of 7 months. He ended up staying in ICU for the first year of his life. His developmental milestones were delayed and at the age of three years he was diagnosed with PDD-NOS. By the age of six years Kanha was off his tracheostomy and oxygen support and could move about freely. He was also catching up to achieve several developmental milestones, albeit with much delay. By the age of 7 years, he got the label of being on the autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As it is said, it takes a whole community to raise a child - more so, to raise a child having the challenges faced by Kanha. Over time, he grew up to be a very responsible, charming and trustworthy soul.
It is not possible to list the scores of people and inspirations that directly and indirectly contributed to his well-being. Here we can mention functionaries of the following hospitals/clinics and educational institutions who provided support at critical junctures and made a difference.
Indianapolis, IN (USA) – Doctors, Nurses, Therapists and other support staff at St. Francis Hospital and Riley Hospital for Children; Occupational, Speech and Physical Therapists at Greenwood Therapy Center; Teachers and Staff at Glenns Valley Pre-School & Southport Elementary School, Indianapolis
Delhi NCR, India – Principal, Teachers and Support Staff at Chiranjeev Bharati School and Shikshantar School, Gurugram, Tamana, New Delhi and Satyug Darshan Institute of Engineering and Technology, Faridabad
Sanjay Trehan and Sangeeta Trehan