Afra, the young angel who sparked compassion in others is no more

Kannur (Kerala): The sixteen-year-old girl Afra who had made an impassioned appeal months ago to save her toddler brother from a rare genetic disorder died on Monday.

Afra herself was a victim of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) like her brother Mohammed and spent all her life in wheelchair. Despite the strides made by medical science in treating the disease, SMA still is a challenge to the profession, both in terms of theh huge cost involved for its medicine, and the relatively low success rate of the treatment, which by normal standards is still beyond the reach of the common man.

The 16-year-old was admitted to a private hospital in the last few days as she was not keeping well. Daughter of Rafeeque and Mariyumma, Afra was a class X student of Safa English Medium School.

Afra emerged as a warrior for saving her brother bringing to fore their painful story in July last year, leading to a spirited crowd-funding collecting over 46 core.

After her brother Mohammed was also diagnosed with SMA, doctors advised the child to be administered with Rs 18 crore-a-dose drug Zolgensma before he reached the age of two.

Afra wouldn't want her toddler brother to suffer the nightmare she had been through all her life. She poured out her heart in a video appealing to the people to save her brother, who was still able to crawl.

She was heard in the video: "My legs and spine have bent due to the disease. It is pretty hard for me to lie down and sleep. But my little brother's situation is different. He is crawling on the floor. If he gets this medicine now, he can be saved. If all of you come forward with help, he can be saved. He should not end up like me"

Money poured in to the bank account of the treatment committee in no time, making it one of the rare instances of humaneness in Kerala.

Mohammed was given the dose last August. The remainder of fund was used for the treatment of two other children affected by the same disease.

Pain and suffering have not come in the way of her dreams of trying a hand in art and music. She took time off to do vlogging, updating about her travels, studies, and brother's treatment on her YouTube channel.

Afra is returning with the contentment of help saving her little brother, her highest priority.

Afra was a favourite of both teachers and students and they will forever miss her vivacious presence.

A local body recently handed over a high-tech wheelchair to Afra to kick around.

Her last rites were held at Mattool central Juma Masjid graveyard.