"They had to remove a part of her intestines. Now slowly her other organs are also failing." - Ibrahim

14-year-old Rida’s parents had no idea that their daughter’s irregular periods three months ago was actually the start of the dangerous medical condition that she is suffering with currently. She can’t breathe on her own and needs regular dialysis. Her blood sugar has shot up to a dangerous level. She needs to stay in the ICU ward for at least 2 more weeks to be fully cured. 

‘She was on medicines - I don’t know how this happened all of a sudden’

Rida was on regular medicines for her thyroid problems when one Sunday she suddenly complained of a pain in her stomach and in her throat. Thinking, it was just a mere throat infection - Ibrahim took her to the local clinic but the medicines they gave were not of much help.
 

“On our way to the other hospital, she fell unconscious and that’s when I got really scared. She has been in the hospital for 2 weeks now and only a day ago she opened her eyes for few minutes. She is hardly speaking. She has already had a surgery where her damaged intestines were removed. She is still in need of a lot of medical care,” - Ibrahim (father). 

Her body can’t produce enough insulin and that is damaging her organs

Rida has diabetic ketoacidosis - a complication where the body can’t produce insulin (a hormone which regulates the body’s blood sugar levels). This leads to high blood sugar levels and the body produces blood acids or ketones. Her thyroid problems have also added to the increased level of blood sugar. This is damaging her organs at an alarming rate.
 

“With tubes all around her and watching her go through so much pain brings tears to my eyes. In just a matter of few days, Rida is in a condition where if she is taken out of the medical support, she will not live." 

Rida’s parents now worry if they can bring her home safe

Rida has always been a bright student - she has been the topper of her class for 9 years now. A well-mannered child, she was not only her teacher’s pet but was also the apple of her parents’ eyes. Her father, Ibrahim works at a saloon and makes Rs 600-700 a day. But he has never compromised on Rida’s studies - he has always gone to huge lengths to help her realise her dreams.

 

“She wants to study further and become successful in life. We had even started saving for her higher studies. We had so much hope for her but now as I look at her suffering and our dwindling bank balance, I fear that we might not be able to bring her home alive.” 

How you can help

Even after borrowing from relatives and using up their savings for Rida’s education - Ibrahim is still short of the bills by Rs 2.5 lakhs. But his daughter needs to stay in ICU for a few more days and he would need 7 lakhs more. All his avenues of financial help are closed and now his only hope is crowdfunding. With your help, Ibrahim and Asma will be able to bring their daughter home.

Rida has been struggling for months. She has not had a normal life because of her thyroid issues. Now she may not have a life at all. Her parents ask for your help to save her.