Richa is from Nawalparasi and is the youngest of six siblings. Her father suffered from weight loss and chest pain, and despite receiving treatment, he sadly passed away. Soon afterwards, her mother's health began to deteriorate, and medical tests revealed that she was HIV positive. Richa later lost her mother due to complications from the disease.
Following their deaths, the children were tested for HIV, with Richa being the only one to test positive. As her health deteriorated, fear and stigma took hold of her community, who raised money to send her away with no intention of bringing her back. Abandoned in Kathmandu, Richa was referred to SETU Nepal in 2013.
She was extremely weak at that time, requiring immediate medical attention in the form of antibiotics and antiretroviral treatment to save her life.
Since then, she has been living in Aarati Home, where her health has stabilised. Richa is a kind girl known for her gentle nature. She helps to care for her sisters and proudly refers to them as her 'sweet sisters'. She is currently studying in grade 10. After completing her studies, she hopes to become a chef and is already very involved in the kitchen at Aarati Home.