She sustained severe burns covering 60% of her body and suffered smoke inhalation injuries. Her left wrist was contracted by the burns, preventing her from properly using her left hand. After her initial recovery, Santvana was eventually placed in an orphanage in India.
In 2017, hope arrived in the form of Jasmin, a single mother from the United States. Drawn to Santvana’s photo and story, Jasmin felt an instant connection, describing Santvana as her “long-lost daughter.” Even though Jasmin came from a Jewish background, she was interested in Indian culture, studying Hindu scriptures and the Sanskrit language. Jasmin knew in her heart that she could give Santvana the loving home and specialized care she needed. So, Jasmin officially adopted Santvana in March 2017 and brought her home to the U.S.
The transition was not easy. Santvana was suddenly immersed in two new languages, English and Hebrew, and enrolled in school for the first time in the U.S. She initially required an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to help her catch up academically. But with determination and hard work, Santvana not only met expectations, she exceeded them. She eventually moved on from her IEP into a standard curriculum and is now preparing for college, with Texas A&M high on her list of choices. She comfortably switches between three languages: English, Hebrew and Hindi. Soon you can add Japanese to that list, which she now studies in school. In a heartfelt gesture, Jasmin changed her own last name to Santvana’s original family name, honoring Santvana’s biological family and the bond they share.
If there is one thing I learned for sure, it is that one should never give up on what you dream of, what you dream to be, and how you plan to change the world for the better.
In 2018, Santvana began receiving care at Shriners Children’s Texas, where she underwent multiple surgeries and therapies to treat her injuries. Through her own persistence and the skilled care of her Shriners Children’s team, Santvana regained full function in her left wrist. Her dream to play the violin seemed impossible at first, but she refused to give up. “I believed in myself even when nobody believed in me,” she said. Through persistent physical therapy exercises, especially by herself at home, Santvana not only learned to play but earned a place in her high school orchestra.
“Santvana has shown remarkable resilience through her healing and treatment journey,” said April McCarty, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, CWON, a nurse practitioner at Shriners Children’s Texas. “Throughout her care, she has shown grace and gratitude, always pushing forward with her end goals in sight. She is an inspiration and true testament to perseverance and hope.”
To date, Santvana has undergone more than 20 surgeries for her burn injuries and continues to work toward a full recovery. Shriners Children’s goal is always to help patients regain the ability to do what they want to do, and Santvana’s determination to play the violin is a perfect example of this philosophy in action. Through hours of therapy and practice, she turned what once seemed impossible into reality, demonstrating how persistence can help patients achieve their dreams.
As a testament to this positive attitude, Santvana said, “If there is one thing I learned for sure, it is that one should never give up on what you dream of, what you dream to be, and how you plan to change the world for the better.”
Santvana while she was living in an orphanage in India.
Santvana meets Jasmin for the first time in India.
Santvana plays with her cat at home in the U.S.
Santvana's 11th-grade portrait in high school.
