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Sowmya and Sharath waited for 9 long, painful years, just to hold a baby in their arms. When they were told they’d be parents to not one, but two children, they were elated! Today, it's been two weeks since these babies were born, but Sowmya and Sharath still continue to wait. Born extremely preterm, the twins are on life-support in the NICU, unable to function on their own. They require a prolonged stay in the NICU to stabilize. They are fighters, who are doing their best to go home to their parents. But their parents are struggling to afford the treatment!
In 24th week of pregnancy, Sowmya was told the babies were critical
Stuck in the pandemic, Sowmya and Sharath Sharma were merely surviving; till Sowmya became pregnant. Flooded with happiness, they got busy readying themselves for parenthood.
“After waiting for 9 years, we were disappointed. Devastated. We decided to try our luck with IVF. It was a painful period. Just when we thought even that wasn’t going to work, we were given the good news! We were to have twins! That was the most joyous period of our lives. Everything went on smoothly. But one day, when I was still in my 24th week, I was told the babies were critical. I underwent surgery that very day…” – Sowmya, mother.
Born preterm with organs underdeveloped, they were rushed to the NICU
Born extremely preterm, Sowmya’s twins were immediately admitted to the NICU on life-support. Their organs still underdeveloped, their treatment began.
“Today is the 17th day. They’re still in the NICU. This wasn’t how we planned to receive our children! It is unfair to be kept away from them! But we are grateful they are responding really well to the treatment. They need a few more weeks’ treatment, for they still can’t survive on their own. Right now, we get only about two hours a day with our babies. When we aren’t with them, we dream of the next time we’ll see them. It is a torturous wait.” – Sharath Sharma, father.
Prolonged treatment can save the babies, but Sharath is unable to afford it
With a prolonged stay in the NICU, the babies can completely wholly recover. But it will cost the couple 20 lakh rupees. Having already spent more than a lakh in 2 weeks, they have no other sources to turn to.
“I am a temple priest. My wife is a vocalist. Both our professions have been hit hard by the pandemic. Temples were shut…they still are. My wife’s stage performances are out of question. We have had little to no income for the past 1 year. Earlier this year, with things looking good pandemic wise, I was happy we’d be ready by the time the children came home. But our world came to a standstill when our babies were born preterm. We’ve exhausted all our savings. There’s no way I can gather the mountainous sum of 20 lakh rupees! With your help, we can bring them home!” – Sharath Sharma.
They are so near, yet so far. With a little support from you, the babies can go home to their parents.
