A fundraiser created to help a UC Berkeley student who suffered a spinal injury last month in a fall at or near a fraternity house has raised more than $100,000.
The support began after Bandna Bhatti, 21, fell during a visit to the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity house during UC Berkeley’s open house — also known as “Cal Day” — April 19. By Monday at 1 p.m., the fundraiser had raised $101,825.
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“Brenda is a brilliant compassionate and resilient young woman who has worked tirelessly toward her dreams,” the fundraiser entry for her read. “Now, she faces a long and difficult road ahead, and we are humbly asking the community for help.”
Details of what happened were not available immediately,
“We are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and are fully cooperating with university officials and local authorities in their investigation,” Matt Arnold, the Chief Executive Officer of Phi Kappa Tau, wrote in a statement.
UC Berkeley police did not immediately respond to inquiries early Monday.
According to a statement from the family on the fundraiser, Bhatti was three weeks shy of graduating UC Berkeley with a degree in data science. The accident fractured her spine and left her paralyzed from the waist down, according to the family. She also had several other life-altering injuries, they said.
“These injuries are not only life-altering but will require extensive and ongoing medical care, including physical therapy, rehabilitation and specialized support to help her navigate this new chapter,” the fundraiser entry read. “The journey ahead is extensive and demanding but with your assistance, we hope to provide the vital resources she requires, specialized care, adaptive equipment and essential home modifications to help Bandna regain as much independence as possible.”
Arnold in his statement said the fraternity is “deeply concerned” about the incident.
“Our thoughts are with the individual and their loved ones during this challenging time,” Arnold said. “The health, safety and well-being of all individuals in our community remain our highest priorities.”
