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"If I hadn’t seen my son’s stomach I would have never believed that a disease can make this happen. It seems like if it swells anymore, it will explode. The swelling is so much that he can’t see anything beyond that when he is lying down, it covers his vision. The pain is too much for him, he can’t even turn an inch to his sides. My wife made me promise on her deathbed that I will take care of our children - I am afraid I can’t keep that promise,” - Ramesh, father of 14-year-old Ganesh.
Doctors have told Ramesh that his son’s liver is damaged completely. He needs an urgent liver transplant to live. But with absolutely nothing in his pocket, this helpless father doesn’t know how will afford it.
It feels like even God has abandoned my son
Ganesh is a dedicated student who never missed school even if that meant that he would have to walk miles. He had lost his mother at 2 to a severe brain fever. Despite being so young, the incident has left a deep scar on his mind. Now he wants to be a doctor, he wants to treat the poor free of cost. He wants no one to suffer like his mother.
“It all started in 2015 - the swelling, the pain. We took him to a hospital, I borrowed from friends and spent about 2 lakhs on his tests. But they were all normal. We came back home relieved thinking he would have to suffer no more. But since this January this disease is killing him, he might not live to fulfill his dreams. Prayers and medicines are no longer helping him. He needs an urgent liver transplant.”
What will happen if you can’t afford the treatment, father?
14-year-old Ganesh has decompensated chronic liver disease. He is too weak to even sit up on the bed. His skin constantly itches and fluid has been building up in his abdomen. His ankles and legs are also swollen.
“He needs help to even put on a shirt. He is so tired that he doesn’t even complain when the nurse gives him injections. I keep telling him that he will be fine but I think he senses that he has a tough fight ahead. He hardly speaks now, he just holds my hand and cries silently. It is as if he is begging me to save him but I am helpless”
His school friends and even some strangers have come forward to help him but that isn’t enough
A well-behaved and diligent child, Ganesh is the favourite of his teachers. He also has many friends. They have come forward and contributed to help him get treated. Ramesh had also given a newspaper advertisement that has helped him raise some amount. But the transplant would cost 25 lakhs. A daily wager, Ramesh has no means to afford it.
“I have sold my only piece of land, I have borrowed from my friends and relatives. But there is no way I can arrange for so much money. My son is on the verge of death and here I am, running from pillar to post, scrambling for any little amount that can help me save him. I am willing to be the donor but without the money, I will lose him.”
A dangerous liver disease will take away this teenager's life. His father is a matched donor but he is too poor to afford the transplant. A small contribution from your side can make a huge difference in their lives
