Last December, Rishi started having severe headaches. After doing multiple MRIs and referring every specialist possible, they came to the conclusion that these are just Migraine attacks. His parents still felt something was off but were not prepared for it to turn out to be Acute Myeloid Leukemia. It is a type of cancer growing rapidly in the bloodstream.

"We made a huge mistake of thinking it to be a neurological problem and wasted 5 months treating it for migraine. He had no relief throughout, rather he couldn't even walk or move because he felt unbearable pain in his stomach and right leg. I wish we had started his cancer treatment earlier then maybe my son would have recovered from medicines and we could be in a position to afford his treatment."- Rinku, mother

Rishi's confidence is wearing off after losing hair

"I used to video call my friends earlier but now I feel conscious when they see me without hair. I avoid them and read comics to pass my time during chemo. My baby brother is just 6 and the other day kept asking where his Bhaiya is? Even he couldn't recognize me in this condition. It hurts me but I try to be hopeful because I really want to recover and fulfill my dreams." - Rishi

The ongoing pandemic has severely affected Kundan's income

Rishi's parents, Kundan and Rinku, had to sell their two-wheeler and jewellery for his treatment. Kundan works at a hotel reception. Due to the ongoing covid pandemic, the hospitality industry has been badly affected and Kundan has hardly earned anything in the last 2 years. To afford 10 lakhs for Rishi's chemotherapy has unnerved him now.

"I had no option but to sell my wife's mangalsutra. In our culture, it's not auspicious for married women to have a bare neck, so I got a cheap 20 rupees chain for her because that's all I can afford now. I'm the provider of this family and to see my wife and son suffer because of my inability has completely shattered me."- Kundan, father

Rishi has completed two doses of chemotherapy till now. Even though it's painful, he feels an improvement in his condition. Earlier he couldn't even bend his legs, now he is able to do that. He is confident that if his treatment continues, he can recover completely. But his parents can no longer afford his remaining cycles of chemotherapy now. If it is delayed any further then even chemotherapy may be ineffective in saving him.

Please help him continue his chemotherapy by contributing generously.