The COVID-19 lockdown has been a very challenging phase for all those suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 2 – a disease that needs those affected by it to get their daily dose of sunlight due to Vitamin D deficiency, and physiotherapy sessions to survive. While moving out has been almost impossible amidst the pandemic, which has also brought about job losses and pay cuts, the parents of those fighting SMA have emerged as the unsung heroes of this difficult phase.

Andheri East resident Rustom Irani, 40, has been bound to the wheelchair for years now. His elderly parents Sheriar, 68, and Manijeh, 65, have been ensuring that their son receives sunlight daily and gets to do his physiotherapy at home. Speaking to mid-day, writer and filmmaker Rustom said, "I weigh more than 105 kgs and my elderly parents have to physically lift me up from my wheelchair and position me close to the window so that I receive sunlight. Also, for the past nine months they have been helping me with my physiotherapy at home."