Chamze Phuti with her grandchild, Pasang Chuten
In 2014 Chamze Phuti’s son, Lhakpa Tenjing Sherpa died in the icefall avalanche. He was only 25 years old and just starting his life. He left behind his mother, wife, and young daughter, Pasang Chutin, who was only one-month old at the time of his death.
After his death, his wife left their young daughter in the care of her grandmother, Chamze Phuti. Chamze Phuti had already had children of her own, raised them, watched them start their own lives, and watched one of those lives end. She struggled both with the grief of losing her son and the sudden responsibility of raising a grandchild.
Chamze Phuti is using the cost of living grant to support Pasang Chutin. Now, at age six, she is studying in Kathmandu. Money from The Juniper Fund has been placed in an account for Pasang Chutin as she grows older. The funds also help cover expenses associated with Pasang’s school, such as uniforms and school supplies. She also uses a portion of the grant to visit Pasang in Kathmandu. Khumjung is an isolated town, so the most efficient way to get to Kathmandu is via plane. Chamze can make frequent trips to the city, where she reunites with her granddaughter.
In the future, Chamze wants to rent an apartment in Kathmandu, so she can spend more time with Pasang. Now that Pasang has settled into her school in Kathmandu, she believes renting an apartment is both possible and the best option for their family. Chamze also shares a common hope with many other Juniper Fund women—to give Pasang the opportunity to continue her studies wherever she wants to take them. It is impossible not to feel moved by the love Chamze holds in her heart for her family.