40-year-old Captain Shekhawat passed away on 13 November 2021 at Westmead Hospital, leaving his wife and 8-year-old daughter struggling to make ends meet.
Indian man Captain Shekhawat, who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2014, breathed his last at Westmead’s Hospital in Sydney’s west.
A temporary visa holder, Captain got his name from his friends for his father served in the Indian army. He moved to Australia 12 years ago and was diagnosed with leukemia in 2014.
He suffered a life-threatening reaction to chemotherapy with relapse in 2016, which caused inflammation in his brain. As a result, he was bed-ridden and could not move and speak, requiring full-time care and support for nearly the last five years.
Mr Shekhawat is survived by his wife, Sonika Shekhawat and 8-year-old daughter Shyla Shekhawat.
A non-government organisation Harman Foundation had been helping the family for more than six years. Harinder Kaur of Harman Foundation says the illness had a devastating effect on the family.
“We came to know about this family a few years ago and helped them with funds and legal support. New migrants face a lot of pressure in the initial years of their arrival. Captain needed full-time care and assistance, which left the family in a very difficult situation. We tried to help them with their needs. Another family also supported them in this difficult time,” Ms Kaur told NRI Affairs.
Harman Foundation is raising funds to help the grieving family.
“While the family is trying to cope with devastating loss, the family is facing a huge financial pressure and hardship. They have no savings or investments. They are not on a permanent visa. This family needs community’s support now more than ever,” said Ms Kaur.
Harman Foundation details:
Financial support can be provided via:
Harman Foundation
BSB 062093
Account No 10255735
For further information and receipt, please send a confirmation to contactus@harmanfoundation.org.au or text message At 0430158911. Ref Captain.
