Despite suffering from a rare neurological disorder, longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis, Shreyasi Jerath, a Class X student from Vivek High School, didn’t stop from dreaming of making it big in the area of reasearch or medical. In the recently announced CBSE Class X results, Shreyasi secured 96 per cent, a testament to the spirit of perseverance in the face of adversity.In this disorder, inflammation of the spinal cord leads to quadriplegia. “From Day 1, I was very clear of helping her to make it big. She didn’t take help of any tutor, but only from her school teachers. There are two most important things in life for her..the first is everyday physiotherapy sessions, and the other studies. Destiny made it difficult for her, but she is surviving and trying to make it big by God’s grace,” said Ruchieka Jerath, her mother.Shreyasi was fine like a healthy child and didn’t face any injury or accident to end up with this disorder. “Her life changed forever on September 11, 2022. What began as an ordinary day took a sudden, life-threatening turn when she woke up from an afternoon nap and unable to move. Within an hour, she was rushed from Government Hospital, Sector 16, to the PGI. She slept after lunch, and didn’t wake up normally. Her body below the neck was affected. She has her own face off with medical complications. In January, she reportedly had a complete nazal blockage, but God was kind as doctors saved her. Whenever there’s a problem, God helps us with a solution,” added the mother.Her prolonged and exhausting medical battle continues, as she has ventilator support, a tracheostomy and multiple invasive procedures. Subglottic stenosis and other problems made her airway a lot worse, and this meant she needed more surgeries. She was hospitalised multiple times due to recurrent infections and high fever.“She has been confined to a wheelchair since Class VIII and had significant physical limitations. Yet, the greater challenge lay in reclaiming a sense of normalcy in her education. Due to the frequent disruptions in Class IX, the prospect of continuing her academic journey appeared uncertain. She would attend the school on a wheelchair in morning, would attend physiotherapy at 2, and after a nap would study and follow the routine,” added Ruchieka.In Class X, she had two major surgeries and the recovery required time off from school. “The doctors at the PGI are very helpful, and so is everyone at the school. During her treatment, she was awake…interacted with doctors and became their pampered child. The school community stood firmly beside her. Teachers adjusted deadlines, provided guidance and unflinching support. Her grandfather, KK Jerath, who was the Chief Engineer of UT and secretary to the government, has also been a source of strength and inspiration for her,” added Shreyasi’s mother.While the Class X results were still awaited, Shreyasi started preparing for Class XI, and without any second thought she told her mother that she would join medical stream. Her mother knows it’s a very tough task to see her daughter study medical and become a doctor, but anything is possible given the strength of the family and Shreyasi’s determination.