CTV Calgary's Karen Owen went with a team from World Vision to Sri Lanka to meet some of the people who have benefitted from its programs and even more who need our help.
In part four of her series, Karen talks to the family of a little girl who is gravely ill and can't afford to pay for the treatments she needs.
Nethuni is 18-months old and still doesn't walk. In fact, she can't even stand.
The little girl has Osteogenesis Imperfecta which is a genetic condition that results in fragile bones which break easily.
Nethuni's father was holding her the first time she broke a bone by simply flinging her arm.
There is no cure for Osteogenesis Imperfecta, but there is a way to treat it.
The treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms, building bones and hopefully helping Nethuni to walk or use a wheelchair.
It is difficult for the family as the treatment is expensive and it takes three bus rides to travel the 100 kilometres to a clinic.
Chamani, Nethuni's mother, is frustrated because she doesn't feel like the doctors are telling her enough and she worries about the future.
"I worry what will happen to her when she's growing up, when she attains age. Will she ever walk again," said Chamani.
The family works hard and grows crops around the house for their own use and to sell.
Indika, Nethuni's father works for the civil security department but his salary is just not enough to give his daughter the medical care she needs.
World vision is looking for a sponsor for Nethuni and thousands of others just like her.
For more information on the Alberta campaign, visit the World Vision website.
