Age is just a state of mind

You could almost miss hearing those joints creak when you see the sparkle in her eyes. You wouldn’t be the first. Sarah Sharma’s work belies her age. The 85-year-old has been working tirelessly to create awareness about epilepsy.

Sharma knows how debilitating the condition can be. Ever since her son was diagnosed with uncontrolled epilepsy 25 years ago, she has taken it upon herself to get the word out on epilepsy treatment to as many people as possible. Her determination has not wavered despite having lost her son to brain tumour at the age of 65 last year.

Arthritis has slowed her movement down a bit, but that hasn’t stopped her from going ahead with her mission. “I try and avoid venturing out, but I hold epilepsy awareness programmes at home,” quips Sharma.

Post-retirement, Sharma joined hands with Dr Pravina Shah of Fortis Hospital, Mulund, who helped start the first support group for epileptics in the city — Samman — 25 years ago. Although age has limited several of her activities, many distressed parents of epileptic children still seek Sharma’s guidance.