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My mother, Renatha Fernandes, is 73 years old.
She was the first teacher at GSS English High School, Majiwada, Thane, helping lay the foundation of the institution in its earliest days. What began as a small school grew into a place that educated generations of students across Thane.
Over the decades, she has taught hundreds of children, many of whom have gone on to become successful professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders in the city and beyond. Former students still remember her as the kind teacher who believed in them when they doubted themselves.
But her service did not stop at the classroom.
A Life of Service and Creativity
Alongside her career in education, my mother worked for the downtrodden and marginalized, supporting underprivileged families, guiding struggling students, and contributing to social initiatives both formally and informally.
She has always believed that education and compassion go hand in hand.
During her cancer journey, she turned deeply to art for strength. Despite physical pain and emotional strain, she created more than 25 original paintings. Her dream is to one day organize a small exhibition and share her work with the community.
Even today, at 73, she continues learning, recently teaching herself French through YouTube videos to keep her mind active.
Cancer has weakened her body, but never her spirit.
Her Battle With Breast Cancer
In 2023, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
For the past two and a half years, she has undergone multiple treatments, hospital visits, and procedures with remarkable courage.
Now, doctors at **MOC Cancer Care & Research Centre, Thane** have advised urgent continuation of:
Ongoing Treatment:
Chemotherapy:12 sessions (1 per week)
- 3 sessions completed
- Resuming from 25th February
- 5 sessions completed as of 18th February 2026
So far, we have already spent approximately ₹3,00,000 on her treatment. We have hospital bills and documentation for these expenses.
In addition, there have been several undocumented costs: medicines, travel, supportive care, diagnostic tests, which likely bring the total expenditure closer to ₹5,00,000.
To continue her chemotherapy, complete radiation, and manage ongoing medical and secondary expenses, we urgently need to raise ₹4,00,000 more.
This amount is critical to ensure there is no interruption in her treatment.
Our Situation:
My name is Elvis Fernandes. I live with my mother, my wife, and my daughter in Thane, Maharashtra.
Until now, we have used our savings and taken personal loans to fund her treatment. But our financial reserves are exhausted.
I lost my job in the gaming industry last year. While I am currently working as a freelance consultant, the income is irregular and barely enough to manage household expenses.
As the sole earning member of the family, I am doing everything I can, but I cannot manage this burden alone anymore.
A Teacher Who Gave Her Life to Others:
My mother has spent decades:
* Educating young minds
* Supporting marginalized families
* Giving time and guidance without expecting anything in return
* Continuing to create, learn, and inspire even during illness
Today, she needs help!
Your contribution, no matter how small, will directly help her continue her treatment and fight this disease with dignity.
If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser. Someone whose life she touched may want to stand by her now.
She has spent her life building others.
Today, we are trying to save hers.
With folded hands and gratitude,
Elvis Fernandes and family
Thane, Maharashtra
