Puneeth Kumar

Hello! My name is Puneeth and I am 19 years old. I am in my first year of college working towards a bachelors degree in computer programming. I have severe hemophilia A. I have regular bleeds in my ankles and knee, which have caused me to miss several months of school. I travel by bus to the hospital 170 kilometers away for treatments. I am undergoing physical therapy to help improve my mobility. Me with members of the local Hemophilia Care Center. I recently attended a meeting at the Mangalagiri Hemophilia Care Center and met peers in the bleeding community. I was also able to take a trip to the beach with friends. We spent time together and had lots of fun. Me (far right), with my friends at the beach. When college is not in session, I live with my family in our town outside of Vijayawada. I live with my father who is a teacher, my mother who is a housewife, and my younger sister and brother. Our house is made of concrete. We prepare our meals on a gas stove in the kitchen in our home. We also have running water and toilet facilities inside the home. Our home is well cared for and in good condition. From left: (Back row) Me, my brother Rohith (13), and my sister Holika (15). (Front row) My father Srinivasulu (47), and my mother Sri Lakshmi (44).