Mumbai: Critically ill woman, husband sell jewellery to donate oxygen to others

Rozy and Pascal Saldanha at their Malvani residence. Pic/Nimesh Dave

Even as she struggles for her own life, a 51-year-old woman and her husband have managed to help eight people by getting them oxygen cylinders. Rozy and Pascal Saldanha gave away their own oxygen cylinder to a COVID patient and bought eight more after selling their jewellery. They have also donated two tonnes of pulses and grain since the pandemic began and have resolved to continue helping people.

Rozy and Pascal Saldanha have also distributed two tonnes of grains and pulses in their area amid the pandemic. Pic/Nimesh Dave

Rozy and Pascal Saldanha live in Malvani Church area with their two sons. Rozy is a teacher at St. Xavier's School, Borivli, while Pascal is a well-known decorator in Malvani.

Rozy has kidney disease

Five years ago, Rozy's kidneys failed and since then, she has been on dialysis, slipped into coma four times and has suffered a brain haemorrhage. The family spent over Rs 2 crore on her treatment and on setting up medical infrastructure at home.

"Rozy is vulnerable to any infection, so I bought an oxygen cylinder in case we face an emergency amid the pandemic," said Pascal on Wednesday.

"We also saw many people in our area struggling for food. So we arranged for two tonnes of grains and pulses."

Pascal with the oxygen cylinders he procured to donate to people. Pic/Nimesh Dave

Five days ago, Pascal heard from his friend Rafique Siddiqui, principal of Malvani-based Holy Mother School, that one of his teachers, Shabana Malik's husband needs oxygen at home. Saldanha, offered his cylinder right away.

Gave cylinder kept for wife

"Without giving it a second thought, Saldanha offered the cylinder which had been kept for his wife.

I have never seen such a generous man. Because of his immediate help, the person is better and recovering at home," said Siddiqui. "Meanwhile we were also hearing about the demand for oxygen," he added.

When Rozy realised that the oxygen cylinder was missing, she inquired with Pascal, who told her about Malik's husband suffering from COVID-19 and many more people are in need of oxygen. Rozy immediately asked Pascal to sell off her jewellery and buy more cylinders for the needy.

‘Got Rs 80k from jewellery'

"We got Rs 80,000 from the jewellery. So far, we have provided oxygen cylinders to seven people, apart from Malik's husband. One more is left. We are doing whatever we can to help people in need, everyone should do this. Right now, everyone is facing difficulties. If we extend help, it will certainly save someone's life," said Saldanha.

Rozy said, "I don't know how long I will live. I had some jewellery which is of no use. At least selling it has helped someone stay alive."

5
No. of years Rozy Saldanha has been suffering from kidney failure

Rs 2 cr
Amount Rozy and Pascal Saldanha have spent on her treatment so far