The Story of Jayadevi: Battling Disease and Deprivation in Palakkad

Jayadevi, a 49-year-old resident of Banglamkunnu in Kalladikode, Palakkad district, is facing a relentless struggle for survival. Her family consists of her 88 year old mother, a daughter pursuing undergraduate studies, and a son in plus-two. The family’s hardships deepened after the death of Jayadevi’s husband, Ayyappan, in 2020 due to a heart attack. Five years ago, Jayadevi was diagnosed with pemphigus vulgaris, a rare and serious skin disease. It started with mouth sores and later spread across her body. Though injections have helped, her treatment is still incomplete. She urgently needs ₹43,000 for the final dose, but cannot afford it. Doctors warn that without it, her health may quickly worsen.

Despite her illness, Jayadevi is the only earning member of the family. She works under the employment guarantee scheme to manage household expenses and her children’s education, but her poor health limits her ability to work regularly. Their struggles are made worse by a lack of basic facilities though a water pipeline runs in front of their rundown house, they haven’t been given a connection and face constant water shortage. Adding to her burdens, Jayadevi’s daughter’s wedding is scheduled for December, creating additional financial pressure. The family is in desperate need of support, both for medical expenses and for the wedding. Jayadevi’s story is an example of how illness and poverty can create a cycle of deprivation that is difficult to break without community support.

Read more at: https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2025/06/28/jayadevi-seeks-help-amid-disease-and-deprivation.html