BERKELEY, Calif. (Diya TV) — A promising UC Berkeley senior, just weeks away from earning her degree in data science, is now facing a life-changing recovery after a devastating fall left her paralyzed from the waist down.

Bandna Bhatti, 21, suffered critical injuries on April 19 during Cal Day — the university’s annual open house for prospective students and their families — after falling from an external stairway at the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity house on Piedmont Avenue, her family told KTVU. The accident occurred around 1 p.m., but Bhatti’s friends, unaware of the severity of her condition, took her home. Emergency services were not called until nearly seven hours later, according to the report.

Bhatti was rushed to the hospital with multiple traumatic injuries, including a spinal fracture, a brain hematoma, a scapular fracture, and a torn dura — the membrane surrounding the spinal cord — which led to spinal fluid leakage, according to the GoFundMe campaign launched by her family. Doctors confirmed she is now paralyzed from the waist down.

As she remains hospitalized, Bhatti’s family and friends are rallying to support her long and difficult road to recovery, which will involve extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and home modifications to accommodate her new needs.

The GoFundMe campaign, launched on April 26, has raised over $98,000 as of May 5, reflecting an outpouring of community support for the young student known for her resilience, brilliance, and compassion. “These injuries are not only life-altering but will require extensive and ongoing medical care,” the fundraiser page reads.

To jumpstart the donation drive, Bhatti’s closest friends organized and ran a half-marathon in her honor on May 4. The organizers encouraged supporters to pledge $5 per mile to raise vital funds for her recovery. “Whether you’re able to sponsor a mile, donate what you can, or help spread the word, your support will make a powerful difference,” they wrote in the campaign’s latest update.

Bhatti had been eagerly preparing to walk across the stage at UC Berkeley’s May 17 commencement ceremony. Instead, she is continuing treatment in the hospital while adjusting to a new reality. Her loved ones describe her as someone who “worked tirelessly toward her dreams” and are hopeful that the support of the community will help her navigate the immense physical and emotional challenges ahead.

The national office of Phi Kappa Tau confirmed that it is cooperating with authorities and university officials in an ongoing investigation into the circumstances of the fall. “We are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident,” Matt Arnold, CEO of Phi Kappa Tau, told KTVU.

Bhatti’s story has struck a chord with the broader public, as her journey from aspiring data scientist to spinal cord injury survivor has unfolded in a matter of days. The GoFundMe campaign continues to accept donations to cover her long-term medical expenses and adaptive needs.

“She has always been someone who uplifts others,” a family member wrote. “Now, it’s our turn to uplift her.”