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“For nearly 6 months, we mindlessly went from hospital to hospital seeking any medical help we could for our child. When we got to Chennai, we had spent everything we had and borrowed. The little we had, we were trying to save up for our son’s treatment, and so we had to resort to sleeping on the streets because we couldn’t even afford accommodation in the city. It was only thanks to a doctor’s kindness that we were able to find a small room… But all our struggles were futile because our child’s treatment ended up being far out of our reach.” - Shrilaxmi
The first sign of his disease was a sizeable red patch on his belly
Shiva and Shrilaxmi’s second child was born about a year ago. He was healthy from the get-go, with no problems whatsoever - until 11 days after his birth, when his parents found a red patch across his navel. They first sought local treatment, and the redness had drastically reduced with prescribed medication. However, a week later, the sore-looking patch resurfaced on the same spot.“We were alarmed because no matter how many medicines he was given, the redness would only reoccur. We went to many hospitals in our hometown of Ongole, Andhra Pradesh, then decided to take him to Chennai. It was only after he underwent several tests there that we found out what exactly was causing this inflammation on his skin. Though we lack medical knowledge, just from the doctor’s explanation, we knew that it was very serious and it sent a sense of shock and fear through me. ” - Shiva, father
He suffers from an immunodeficiency disorder, and the only way to treat it is a transplant
The 11-month-old suffers from a rare, genetic disorder called leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD) is an immunodeficiency disorder, where leukocytes (a white blood cell responsible for fighting foreign substances) are unable to migrate to the site of infection and kill invading microbes.This means that the little boy is extremely vulnerable to infections, and requires hospitalisation to even get over something as small as a fever or cold. The only treatment available to manage and overcome this condition is a bone marrow transplant, which this child is in dire need of.
“The doctor told us about a bone marrow transplant being his only treatment option, and with some hope in our heart, we even underwent tests to find a matched donor. But we learned that both of us were not a match and he would require an unrelated donor. However, the bad news was the cost of treatment - we realised we could never afford it. With a heavy heart, and no other options, we returned home. My child’s condition is worsening by the day, but we have no means to afford his treatment.” - Shiva
Having exhausted all their financial resources, these parents are in a tough spot
Shiva and Shrilaxmi are in a fix. They’ve already spent over INR 9 lakhs, mostly in borrowed money, and can’t even dream of affording their child’s expensive transplant that will cost them another INR 25 lakhs. The couple are parents to two children, and make a meagre income working as a mestri (head workman). So far, all their savings and income have been used up in just initial medical care and tests for their child. Now, with nothing left, they don’t know how they will make it possible for their son to undergo treatment.Charity No : 319201431163
“We’ve just about given up now, yet a part of me still believes that with some help from you, my son will be able to undergo the transplant and he will no longer have to suffer; that infections (turned life-threatening) won’t ever torment him, again. My children are my world, and I can’t imagine losing either of them. Please, please help us.” - Shiva
At the end of their tether, these desperate parents can only turn to you for help. Your contributions will enable their son to undergo transplant and recover successfully. Click here to donate.
Identity of the child is protected in adherence to government guidelines.
