“After my father died 4 years back, the responsibility of taking care of the family fell on my shoulders, as I am the eldest child. I wanted to be a pillar of strength for my grieving mother and a role model for my younger brother Sourav who was still in school. I was confident that I would be able to tackle the challenges that life threw at me. But little did I imagine that I would fall sick with kidney disease soon after – my entire world came crashing down. From then, it has been a downhill ride for me. I have lost all my confidence and instead of supporting my family, I have become completely dependent on them,”-Akash

Akash is suffering from chronic kidney disease from the past 3 years. His kidneys have been shrinking in size over time, putting his life at risk. He needs prolonged dialysis to survive and is asking for your help. This story is written from his perspective.

I try to be mentally strong, but my weak body is giving up on me

My life before kidney disease was simple, yet so exciting. My schedule was like this - I would manage our family business (my father had a small shop selling garments) in the morning – helping my father keep accounts and take care of delivery and distribution, and in the evening I would hang out with friends. Coming back home after a long and tiring day to my mother’s embrace was my favorite part. However late I was, she would make sure to feed me piping hot food before going to sleep. But now, I am always at home.

“My whole body is swollen. I feel weak. I am not supposed to go outside due to the fear of catching infections. I miss my friends so much – the only people I interact with are nurses and doctors. I want to stay strong and hope for a better tomorrow, but my body is giving up on me.”

My younger brother had to quit his studies to keep me alive

You know what my biggest regret it? It is not watching my aged mother take care of my every need, caring for me like she would an infant, even when her own health issues plague her. It is not wondering whether I’ll always be a prisoner of my own home. It is watching my younger brother keep his dreams on hold, just to save me. Sourav had big dreams – he wanted to go for higher studies after graduation and get a proper, well-paying job. But because of me and my condition, everything is gone.

“We had to sell our shop immediately after I was diagnosed as we couldn’t keep up with the costs of dialysis. My brother quit college and took up a small job in a mobile store. He is struggling to keep up with my treatment costs on one hand and manage household expenses on the other. My mother does not wear jewellery now – we sold everything just to keep me alive. But now, we have nothing to sell and need your help.”  

How you can help

 Akash’s weekly dialyses cost Rs 30,000 to Rs 35,000. But his brother’s salary is just Rs 15,000. Relatives and friends have been helping them so far, but now they have no sources left to pay for the treatment without which he cannot survive. He needs your urgent help to survive.

He needs your help to be healthy again, so that he can provide for his family one day – just like he’s always wanted