Mother Who Survived Physical Assault By Her Own Family Fights For Son

"When he turned 1-year-old, we noticed the enlarged spleen. It was like a ball on the side of his ribs. It was visible, growing everyday. Doctors said he has a tumor in his liver. An urgent surgery was done. In a few years, it came back, bigger than ever. After the second surgery, he needed a pouch to collect his stools. He lived with it for more than 5 years. He used to cover the tube with a shirt and go to school. He has to change his clothes frequently. His classmates laughed at him. Only he knows how painful this struggle has been, against a tumor which is now taking his life." - Lakshmi, mother.

Their marriage was not accepted: Lakshmi was beaten and stabbed, left to struggle for years without support

"I ended up spending lakhs to save Lakshmi. I was forced to take loans. When Jaya Surya was born we had to begin from scratch. We were happy to work for him day and night. When we heard that he has tumor we thought the universe is punishing us. I have been in debt, taking odd jobs just to make more money. People who helped are coming back for repayment. There are days we go to sleep without having any food." - Venkatesan.

After 6 years, Jaya Surya's tumor has returned with vengeance

"He bleeds heavily from nose and mouth, 4-5 times in a day. Every minute, we feel like he is dying. All three of us just sit and cry feeling helpless because we cannot afford a liver transplant. Nothing else can save him. He is at home with us now, aware of our situation. He once said, 'Don't cry after I'm gone. We have to stay strong for each other.' I feel suicidal, unable to save my son." - Lakshmi, mother.

How you can help

"Jaya Surya has lost hope. We want to hold on to every ray possible. We will die if we cannot save him. Our last option is to ask India for help."