Call for Solidarity: Nishra, the Big-Hearted Makeup Artist Facing a Rare Tumor

Reshad Toorab, Sun 02/11/2025 - 12:30

At just 36 years old, Banjoo Affeezah Nishra from Pamplemousses is fighting one of the most challenging battles of her life. This young mother of two children aged 11 and 6, and a makeup artist and beautician for nearly 20 years, never imagined her life would take such a drastic turn.

“I was living my normal life, working, taking care of my home... I never thought I would one day face a tumor in my head,” shares Banjoo Affeezah Nishra, her voice trembling. Since April 2025, she has been battling a macroadenoma, a brain tumor located at the base of her skull, directly affecting her pituitary gland.

This complex and progressive illness, if not treated promptly, can lead to severe hormonal imbalances, vision loss, or even life-threatening complications. What began as a simple malaise has turned into a medical nightmare. Today, she has only one hope: the generosity of the Mauritian public to fund an urgent and costly operation in India.

Ignored Symptoms, Fatal Diagnosis

It all began just over a year ago. Nishra complained of frequent headaches, dizziness, and vision issues. "I thought it was just fatigue... I work, I need to take care of my home, my children... I didn't think it would become so serious," she recalls emotionally.

After several consultations and thorough examinations, doctors at the hospital informed her that she had a tumor at the pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain. Although benign, it exerts pressure on the optic nerves and severely disrupts hormones. The consequences are numerous: extreme fatigue, vision loss, intense pain, and sometimes motor disorders.

Faced with this medical emergency, specialists have recommended a highly specialized surgical procedure: endoscopic transnasal surgery with navigation. The operation will be performed at Signature Hospital in Delhi, India, under the supervision of renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Vikrant Sagar.

Today, she needs Rs 481,200 to fund this surgery, a significant amount for this family already strained by several months of work stoppage. The medical report from the OMCA Foundation, dated October 24, 2025, details the treatment plan: Rs 32,200 for medical evaluation, Rs 276,000 for the operation, Rs 93,000 for accommodation and meals for four weeks, and Rs 80,000 for round-trip airfare for two people.

A Financial and Emotional Battle

Since the diagnosis was announced, Nishra's daily life has been turned upside down. Her days are filled with pain, fatigue, and uncertainty. "I am losing strength... I have to stay lying down, my vision is blurred, I have vertigo, I can't work," she confides, her voice trembling. Her husband tries to meet the family's needs, but medical expenses have piled up, and the financial situation has become critical.

They then decided to turn to the OMCA Foundation (Overseas Medical Care Assistance Foundation), a Mauritian charity known for helping patients needing care abroad. "When I received this news, I was devastated. But I kept the faith. I contacted OMCA, they listened to me and took my case. Now, I just hope that the public will help me," Nishra recounts.

The OMCA Foundation, led by Mr. Tawfick Dilloo, has officially certified the medical plan and launched a public appeal to save Nishra's life. In its official letter, the organization states: "We humbly seek your prayers & support to enable Affeezah to undergo the necessary medical treatment. Your generosity can truly make a difference and help save a life."

Donations can be made directly to account number: 000450 747964 (Mauritius Commercial Bank), IBAN: MU90MCBL0901000450747964000MUR. Reference: Affeezah – Eligible for Zakaat contributions. This account, opened under the supervision of OMCA, ensures transparency of the funds collected. The organization specifies that every rupee contributed will be used exclusively for medical treatment and associated expenses.

Hope Despite Pain

Despite the suffering, Nishra remains hopeful. "When I received this news, I was devastated. But I kept the faith. I contacted OMCA, they listened to me and took my case. Now, I just hope that the public will help me," she says, her eyes misty with tears but filled with determination.

She knows the road will be long, with administrative procedures and post-operative care requiring courage. However, she firmly believes in the kindness of the Mauritian people. In a corner of her home, she carefully keeps a small box where she stores letters of support, donation receipts, and messages of encouragement received since the appeal began.

In this challenging context, her neighbors, friends, and colleagues are mobilizing to raise funds. Some have already launched online fundraisers and calls on social media. "I don't know how to say thank you. There are people I don't even know who have contacted me, saying: 'Madam, stay strong. We will help you,'" she says.

For the OMCA Foundation team, this case illustrates once again the power of Mauritian solidarity. "Every time we manage to save a life, we help an entire family regain their smile. Nishra's case deeply touches us. She needs us now," says a member of the foundation.

The official poster circulating on social media features an inspiring quote: "Whoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved the lives of all mankind." It is a universal message of hope that resonates like a collective prayer.

Today, Nishra is not asking for pity but for a helping hand. She hopes that with the generosity of Mauritians, she will finally be able to travel to India for her operation and return to a normal life: "I am not looking for luxury. I am looking for health. I am looking for a normal life for my family and my children. I have faith in God and in the kindness of people."