Help Yosoda walk and inspire after a spinal injury

Help Yosoda Stand Tall: A Rugby Star’s Battle Against Spinal Injury

Hello, I’m Jonathan, and today I reach out with a story of resilience, hope, and the unyielding spirit of a young athlete named Yosoda Bohara. At just 16, Yosoda’s life took a dramatic turn during a rugby camp in August 2023, where she sustained a severe C4/C5 spinal cord injury. This campaign is not just about medical treatment; it’s about reigniting a dream and pioneering a path of recovery for many in Nepal.

Yosoda’s Story: From the Rugby Fields of Nepal to a Mission in Japan

Yosoda, an exceptional rugby and soccer player from Baltia, Nepal, faces the biggest challenge of her life far from the sports fields she dominated. Yosoda represented Nepal internationally for both Rugby and Soccer. Her injury during preparations for the Under 20 Asian Rugby Tournament has paused her athletic pursuits but not her determination.

Yosoda’s response to the possibility of wheelchair rugby was, “I do not need a wheelchair, I will stand again on the field.”

It’s this spirit we aim to support through intensive rehabilitation.

A Unique Opportunity for Healing

In January 2024, the renowned J-Workout trainer, Akiko Asami, after visiting Nepal and assessing Yosoda’s condition, designed a bespoke 3-month rehabilitation program in Tokyo, Japan. This program is not only a beacon of hope for Yosoda but an unprecedented opportunity for Nepal.

Accompanying Yosoda to Japan will be her devoted sister, Bimara, and Sabitri Purja, a national rugby player turned U20 coach, seeking to become Nepal’s first trainer specialized in spinal cord injuries.

Our Goal

To make this journey possible, we aim to raise $70,000 USD ($110,000 AUD), covering phases from immediate rehabilitation needs in Japan to long-term support back in Nepal. Here’s how the funds will be allocated:

Join Us in Making a Difference

This campaign transcends financial aid; it’s about providing Yosoda with a fighting chance to stand tall again and empowering a community with the knowledge and skills to support spinal cord injury survivors. Every donation brings Yosoda one step closer to her dreams and helps establish a legacy of recovery and hope in Nepal.

About J-Workout

J-Workout, in partnership with Project Walk, stands as a beacon of hope for those facing spinal cord injuries. Located in Tokyo, it specializes in rehabilitation for athletes, offering groundbreaking recovery programs capable of achieving milestones like self-standing.

The Realities of Spinal Cord Injuries in Nepal

Living with a spinal cord injury (SCI) in Nepal is fraught with challenges that extend beyond the immediate medical care. The costs associated with ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, necessary home modifications, and assistive devices can quickly become overwhelming, especially in a country where healthcare resources are scarce and often inaccessible for the majority.

Immediate and Ongoing Medical Expenses: The cost of surgery, hospital stays, and medication in the aftermath of an SCI can deplete savings, pushing families towards financial strain. Yosoda’s treatment and recovery journey includes not just immediate care but also a long-term rehabilitation plan that is critical for her to regain as much independence as possible.

Rehabilitation and Specialized Care: Access to specialized rehabilitation services, like those offered by J-Workout in Japan, is not at a much higher level than available in Nepal. The Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Centre for Nepal

has a rehabilitation center in Sanga with dedicated staff however specialised equipment vital for the care of Yosada and other patients is not available and the level of training leaves much to be desired. The expense for such specialized programs abroad is substantial but essential for Yosoda’s best chance at recovery.

Adapting to a New Normal: Costs for modifying living spaces to accommodate wheelchair access and ensuring safety can be significant. Additionally, the daily needs and assistive technologies required for SCI individuals are not just a one-time expense but a continuous financial burden. The Nepal Rugby Association, Nepal Soccer Association, Nepal Sports Council, and a group of supportive friends have initiated local fundraising efforts to assist with the financial demands of her surgeries and her stay at the Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Centre of Nepal. The cost for a bed and fundamental care at the center is 2,000 NPR daily.

Support Systems: The path forward involves adapting to a new reality, where the home environment, daily routines, and even future aspirations may need to be reconsidered and modified. The strength of a support system lies not just in its capacity to provide care and financial assistance but in its ability to adapt and respond to the evolving needs of the Yosoda and her family.

As we rally support for Yosoda, we aim not only to address the immediate financial and care needs but also to foster a holistic support network that will empower her and her family through this journey of recovery and adaptation. Your contribution helps to fortify this network, offering Yosoda the resources and support she needs to navigate her new reality with strength and hope.

A Higher Stakes: Mortality and Hope

The mortality rate for SCI individuals in Nepal is alarmingly high due to the lack of immediate specialized care, ongoing treatment, and rehabilitation services. Secondary health issues such as infections and respiratory complications further exacerbate the risks, making comprehensive care and rehabilitation not just a matter of recovery but of survival.

Our Campaign: A Beacon of Hope

We aim to raise $70,000 USD ($110,000) to cover Yosoda’s rehabilitation journey and set the foundation for a future where Nepal can offer its own specialized SCI care. This includes:

Join Us in Making a Difference

Your contribution goes beyond helping Yosoda stand again; it’s about lifting an entire community towards hope and resilience. Together, we can change the narrative for SCI survivors in Nepal, offering them not just the chance to live but to thrive.

Be Part of Yosoda’s Journey

Your support can ignite a flame of hope and perseverance that transcends borders. Let’s help Yosoda stand again and pave the way for future sporting heroes battling spinal injuries. Donate, share, and be a part of this transformative journey. Together, we can make miracles happen.

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