‘She is in denial. Even as she sees children sitting around her in the same room, with their heads shaved, some never returning to the next chemo session, some getting sicker, she asks me what is wrong with her.’ – Jibardhan

16-year-old Padmini has been in the hospital for over a month. She was prepping for her 12th board exams in Sambalpur, Odisha, when she was diagnosed with blood cancer. Others think Padmini is putting on a brave face, but the truth is that she is completely in denial about her condition, and refuses to accept that her fever could kill her.

'We have started treatment, but cannot continue anymore'

Padmini is in her first cycle of chemotherapy. The family had no time to lose and started her treatment. She has Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), a type of blood cancer that is aggressive, spreads quickly and weakens her immune system. She needs 6 more cycles of treatment to have a chance of fighting the disease.

“Every month, I get Rs. 2000 by selling my crops. I did not have the money to take her to a doctor. Still, I ended up borrowing Rs. 1 Lakh from relatives to start her treatment. If we had delayed, there is no telling what would have happened. Now also, I have no money to continue. If I pause and her disease gets worse, I cannot save her.” – Jibardhan

'She thinks the medicine is making her sick'

All day long, Padmini asks her mother to tell the story of Rani Padmini. She recently watched Padmavathi and admires the queen for her bravery. The stories divert her attention from the excruciating pain. Still, the side-effects of chemotherapy are creeping upon her, and she is unable to deny her situation any more.

“She keeps vomiting. The treatment makes her very irritable. She says it is burning from the inside.  Until now, she had not asked me about cancer, or what it could do to her. Suddenly, she is worried she may never get to go back home. She is worried she may not even have friends if she loses all her hair.” - Prabhati

 

How you can help

Jibardhan needs Rs. 10 lakhs to continue treatment. As he is going door to door trying to borrow money, his daughter is retreating within her shell.

“Will power is important to beat this disease. She may lose that will if she does not feel like she is getting better. I need to continue this treatment without a break. Please help me save her.” – Jibardhan

Your contribution can gift this teenager hope and save her life.