Doctors told her she had only six months to live. With six nodules (tumours) in the brain and five in the body and little help from medical science in 1988, doctors had given up hopes on the 17-year-old. She was diagnosed with neurocysticercosis, a disease that affects the internal organs. But with willpower, education and regular exercise, this woman pulled herself back from the death bed to go a long way. Meet 40-year-old Ranju Alex, who is now general manager (GM) of Courtyard by Marriott Pune, Hinjewadi, one of the largest hotels in the city. Ranju, who once weighed 100 kg, today flaunts a perfect figure. “The doctors took six months to diagnose the illness and then declared that I would survive for six more months,” said Ranju, who is an inspiration for women today. “My family was the greatest support in my fight with neurocysticercosis. By the time the doctors understood my illness, I had already developed six nodules in the brain and five in the body,” said Ranju. “My parents somehow managed to raise the money by selling all jewellery and borrowing some to take me to Christian Medical College, Vellore, where there was some for hope of survival,” said Ranju, now a mother of two. She spent two years in a sedated mode with a heavy supply of steroids. “People said to my father - why are you spending so much money on her, she is a girl. That was when I decided to fight and prove the importance of women. That anger and inspiration still keeps me going,” said Ranju. Being the GM of a hotel is tough and stress may get her back to her illness. She has to visit Vellore for a check-up every year to be sure that the nodules have not grown again. After treatment, her mother convinced her to study, even against doctors’ advice. As a special case, her teachers came home to teach her and she entered the hospitality industry to climb the ladder of success. When Ranju’s stress levels increase, the brain pressure increases, causing a brain attack where only rest and sleep can get her back to normal. “I have to drink glycerine and sleep for 10 to 12 hours, but I have chosen a way not to let the stress get to my brain,” explained Ranju. “It is you who decides what is important and what is not. Stress affects my health and it is the same for others too. The only solution is to balance life, eat, exercise and be happy. It is women’s mental power that has helped me succeed,” she said with a smile.

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