Meet Preethu Jayaprakash who conquered a Rare Genetic Disorder to become a CA

“These children cannot walk. With time they will not be able to move. As the children will grow, the complexities of their illness will also increase,” said the Child specialist at Thiruvananthapuram Sree Chithra Thirunal Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology.

Seeing their children struggling every minute to stand upright, Jayaprakash and Radhamani's heart was pierced by each word said by the doctor. The children NEVER WALKED AGAIN! But it was Preethu's parents who carried her dreams forward and made her walk up to them to achieve her goals. Meet CA Preethu Jayaprakash, who, rather than sitting back and letting life happen, persevered to attain her impossible dreams.

Who is CA Preethu Jayaprakash?

Preethu Jayaprakash was born in Kuttanadu, Kerala to Jayaprakash and Radhamani. Born as a normal child, it was later that her parents realized that she also (along with her elder brother) suffered from Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Every time she tried to get up, she would fall on the floor, just like her brother. Initially, her parents dismissed the same symptoms seen in her elder brother as a part of growing up. But gradually they realized that their children weren't able to get up at all.

After then, it was a non-stop movement from one hospital to the next in search of help. Finally, they discovered the cause of their childrens' inability. The muscles have weakened as a result of a condition known as Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

The journey through the books

Preethu never stepped into the school campus. Due to poor transportation facilities in her village, they had to depend on country boats to reach the town. And it was difficult for her mother to travel with her children every day. Thus, from schooling to college to CA course, Preethu excelled in every stage by studying within the four walls of her house via home tuitions. It was only during exams that she appeared in school.

She worked hard to achieve her dreams. She cleared her 10th exam with 88%. After choosing commerce for her Grade 11 and Grade 12, she scored 96% and took admission to a college nearby.

Understanding the importance of communication, Preethu improvised on her language skills through movies and web series. For CA, she opted for some online crash courses along with YouTube videos that helped her crack the test.

Becoming Chartered Accountant

Even though she cleared CPT after her B.Com on her first attempt, it wasn’t an easy journey. She had some difficulty looking for a scribe as none of them could be a graduate. But finally, her friend came through by finding a suitable scribe and she was able to clear her exams.

Finally, she qualified for CA in February 2021 and became an inspiration for millions of students around the world. She is now working at Deloitte, Hyderabad, and is volunteering with the Mind Trust for People with Disabilities and is also taking online classes for them.

A Ray of Hope!

The narrative isn't over yet. With the advancement in medical research, Preethu has found a treatment for SMA in the name of 'Risdiplam', a new medicine that has shown promising results amongst SMA patients. This magic medicine has not only helped Preethu, but brought hope to many more families. However, with the high costs of this treatment, it does not become accessible to all.

The struggle against SMA, the fight against the odds, and being an example to many, Preethu, along with many others, needs help and encouragement to add more feathers to her cap.