The family of an Indian national who suffered a debilitating reaction to chemotherapy while undergoing treatment for cancer is making a desperate appeal to the community for help.
36-year-old Captain Shekhawat came to Australia with his wife Sonika in 2009 as a dependent while his wife studied at the Charles Sturt University, Sydney. He was diagnosed with leukemia in 2013 after the family made an application for permanent residency which they later withdrew.
After a successful treatment, he was cleared of the disease last year. But it relapsed a few months later, this time more aggressively, in the brain. Mr Shekhawat’s poor health forced him to quit his job, bringing the responsibility of earning a living on his wife Sonika who’s on a student visa. 
In February this year, Mr Shekhawat suffered a life-threatening reaction to chemotherapy which caused inflammation in his brain, resulting in him being bed-ridden and unable to move and speak, following which he remained in a Hospital ICU for over a month.
Source: Supplied
While their current insurance is paying for his treatment and the rehab expenses, the previous insurance did not cover the cost of medication, bringing a huge financial impost on the family.
“We still owe thousands of dollars to the Westmead Hospital. The last invoice I have received is of $30,000 and there’s another one I am yet to receive,” Captain’s wife Sonika said.
Captain Shekhawat has now been cleared of cancer, however, he is yet to recover from the devastating effects of the reaction he suffered earlier this year.
In September, he was discharged from hospital and moved to his house where Sonika is caring for him.
A few community organisations helped the family with the necessary medical equipment required for Captain’s care at home.
“GOPIO [The Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin] has helped us with a hospital grade bed, a shower chair and other equipment we required at home in order to care for Captain, and the Harman Foundation through the Glenwood Sikh Temple continues to help with dry ration,” Sonika told SBS Punjabi.
An online fundraiser on GoFundMe has also been started where friends and community members are contributing to help the family.
Captain Shekhawat with his daughter on Diwali. Source: Supplied
However, Sonika had to quit her part-time job at a fast-food restaurant since the time Captain was moved to their home. Between caring for her husband and their four-year-old daughter, Sonika has started a weekend home-based catering service to keep some income coming which she hopes will help her clear the medical bills.
Despite their hardships, the family is keen to stay in Australia.
“Though I am ok to return to India, my husband always wanted to live here, he still does. Our daughter was born here and has never been to India,” she says.
Even though Captain still requires ongoing Physiotherapy and Speech Pathologist, Sonika says the family will again apply for permanent residency soon, hoping that they will be able to find a happy home in Australia.
