My name is Banuja Narthana, I’m just 19 years old, and I’ve already seen more pain and struggle than I ever imagined life could hold. I live with my mother, father, and younger sister. For 18 years, we’ve been moving from one rented house to another, always fearing when we’ll be asked to leave next because we can’t pay rent on time.

My mother name is Achini, she's blind . She suffers from a condition called retinitis pigmentosa, a disease that’s stolen her sight for the past 27 years. She has never seen my face. She doesn’t know what her children look like. The cost of treating her condition is far beyond what we can afford, so we watch helplessly as her condition worsens. She recently had dengue fever and has never fully recovered. She is weak, in pain, and still trying to be strong for us.

My father name is Wasantha, he is the most hardworking person I know. He never had the chance to study or earn enough, but he gave us what he could, mainly food. That’s all he could afford. A few months ago, he became seriously ill, and we found out he has diabetes, but it had gone untreated for a long time because we couldn't afford regular hospital visits. Now it’s too late his health has declined rapidly. His teeth are falling, his body is weak, and he can barely stand for long.

I am trying to study and work at the same time, but my salary can’t even cover rent and food, let alone medicine or transport. My younger sister is still a student, and we even struggle to buy her schoolbooks. There are days when we eat only once. I cry silently at night, wondering how I will take care of them all. I carry my blind mother to the hospital on my own. I’m not strong, but I have no choice.

Sometimes, the pain feels too much. I’ve had dark thoughts—thoughts of giving up. But I know my parents and sister need me. They only have me. And that’s why I’m writing this. Not for luxury. Not for a rich life. Just for a chance to survive with dignity.

If I could buy a small house, we could stop worrying about rent. If I could buy a small car, I could take my parents to their hospital visits safely and without begging for help. I’m not asking for much. Just enough to give my family peace. I believe this could change everything for us.

Please, if you’ve read this far, I beg you from the bottom of my heart,help us. Help me give my parents the care they’ve never had. Help me give my sister a chance to grow in peace. Help me hold my family together. Your help could be the miracle we’ve been waiting for.

With all my heart,
Banuja Narthana