“He turns blue like Krishna deva. I told Rathaiyah, ‘Look he is like a kutti Krishna!’ We realized soon that it was not a miracle but a nightmare when he started choking. It started in our small village in Nellore, from there we went to so many hospitals before ending up in Chennai to save our newborn son.” - Krishnaveni

Krishnaveni and Rathaiyah had a baby boy on 28th April 2018. They took the baby home from the local hospital within a day. They were completely unaware that his body is dying from not enough oxygenated blood.

With no education, these parents struggled to understand what was wrong with their baby

Once the parents realized that something was wrong with their son, they went back to the local hospital. From there, they were bounced to different towns until they reached ACH in Chennai. The baby boy was diagnosed with TGA (transposition of great arteries). This means that the vessel that should take good blood to all his organs is in the place of the blood vessel that takes bad blood to the lungs. This essentially means, his organs are not getting enough oxygen, and as a reason, his heart is working harder, while his body is trying to stay alive.

“When they explained it to us, we were shocked. I did not know these things could happen. We have not even named our baby boy, and now we know he needs a major surgery before we can name him, take him home and see him grow.” - Rathaiyah

They barely have enough to provide for each other, this surgery is unaffordable

Rathaiyah works as a coolie lugging cement on construction sites. He makes about Rs 200/day. Krishnaveni, even when she was pregnant continued to work as domestic help, to save money for their child. They did not know how serious their child’s illness is until they heard the word ‘surgery’. In fact, they did not even have help at the hospital from family. Thankfully, Krishnaveni’s mother offered to stay with them considering that she is only now recovering from labor.

“We do not have big dreams. We did not even pick a name. We created a cradle with wood that was lying around, and I have hung my saree at home to swing the baby to sleep. I cannot give him much, but I can give him love. I don’t want him to slip away even before he understands love.” - Krishnaveni

You can help Rathaiyah save his son

Rathaiyah does not speak anything except Telugu. He is struggling to communicate with staff, doctors, and other people he meets in the hospital. He is struggling to ask for help as he needs Rs. 4 Lakhs for his son’s surgery. He borrowed from a few loan sharks back home to pay for consultation etc., at the other hospitals. Now, there is nowhere to go for help. He learned about Milaap, and hopes people can be kind enough to help a stranger.

“I look at my baby. He is beautiful. I know we have a struggle ahead in our lives trying to give him all he needs. This struggle is bigger, trying to gift him the chance to live his life. Could you please help me?” - Rathaiyah

Your contribution can save this baby boy’s life.