Pedaling Through Pain: How Courage and Care Helped Sakhar Heal

At just four years old, Sakhar’s life changed in a heartbeat. What began as an ordinary day of play in his village turned tragic when he unknowingly walked across the smoldering remains of a recently extinguished fire. The embers were still dangerously hot, and the burns he sustained affected much of his body and delicate face.

His injuries were severe—life-threatening, even—and he was rushed to Sushma Koirala Memorial (SKM) Hospital, where he has remained under intensive treatment for over two months. The first three weeks were spent in the ICU. He’s undergone multiple complex surgeries, skin grafts, and countless bandage changes, each requiring anesthesia due to the pain and fragility of his healing body.

Yet amid the clinical chaos, a quiet strength shines through this little boy. Despite his ordeal, Sakhar endures each step of his recovery with a kind of patience that moves everyone around him. One of the most delicate challenges has been preserving his ability to open his mouth—burn scarring makes this incredibly difficult—so he now wears a medical jaw opener, even as he eats and sleeps.

But healing is not just about wounds—it’s about movement, spirit, and regaining joy. That’s where SKM Hospital’s dedicated physiotherapy team comes in. With gentle hands and playful hearts, they encourage young patients like Sakhar to move again—through games, storytelling, and even laughter. When the hospital introduced two new tricycles into the children’s ward, Sakhar immediately picked the blue one. Bandaged legs and all, he pedals down the corridors with determination, bringing smiles to staff and visitors alike.

His bravery is matched only by the compassion that surrounds him—and by the kindness of donors who make this healing journey possible.

SKM Hospital has been a beacon of hope for burn victims, trauma survivors, and children born with correctable conditions across Nepal. Their mission to deliver life-changing care, regardless of a family’s financial ability, depends on the generosity of supporters around Nepal and the world.