Nineteen year-old Romeo Dev has achieved fame across India and around the world for being, at two-foot nine inches tall and weighing just over a stone, the world’s smallest body-builder, as listed in the Limca Book of Records. An international documentary has been made following his journey to Los Angeles for expert medical assistance – and to meet his heroes, the body-builders on the famous ‘Muscle Beach’. People all over the world have grown to love Romeo for his vibrant and infectious personality and joie de vivre – a true case of triumph of the human spirit over physical weakness. Romeo’s trip to the US was a wonderful experience for him – and it was hoped his consultations with world-leading specialists in his condition would secure a long and happy future for him. (For those who don’t know, Romeo is VERY special - one of approximately 100 ‘Primordial Dwarfs’ anywhere the world, and so is susceptible to a range of medical complications.) But all is not well with Romeo. Soon after his return from America, his joy turned to despair when he was told that, without urgent medical help, he won’t have long to live... Romeo has been diagnosed with a number of serious brain aneurysms which, left untreated, will soon burst and cause massive strokes and rapid death. Whilst such treatment is possible, the safest and best procedures require cutting-edge techniques and facilities only available in a small number of hospitals around the world. Narayana Hrudayalaya Hospital at Bangalore’s Narayana Health City has the facilities – and in Dr Thimappa Hedge, a neurosurgeon skilled enough to save Romeo’s life. And as befits Narayana’s vision of healthcare for all, Dr Hegde will make the care available to Romeo at a special discounted rate. The problem is that the brain surgery required is so complex and expensive that even at NH’s charitable rates it amounts to Rs 3 Lakh (approx. $7500USD). Although, as a poor family, this is clearly beyond the reach of Romeo and his parents, they are making a contribution of Rs 70,000 towards the treatment costs, with the balance of funds still needing to be raised. So for all the interest and love for Romeo, and the attention and appreciation he has brought to India, his fame (though not his fortune), this remarkable little person will soon die. |  Gallery | Photo ©2008 Gary Parker | Help Romeo Contact: Anil Dev - Romeo's Father Jaspreet Dhillon - US Contact Sneh Gupta - India Contact |