"We were struggling to come to terms with the reality that our daughter had cancer, but we gathered all our strength and started the treatment immediately with whatever little we had. The treatment is painful than the disease itself - every time they poke her arms for the injection, she shouts in pain. Her hands and legs have become very weak. We told her she has an infection but she found that she has cancer. She told us not to cry and to stay strong, but seeing the blood coming from her gums and her nose is frightening. I do not know how to console her, it is terrible for all of us. " - Kalpana, Mother of 14 years old Varalakshmi.

Varalskhmi's cancer has the potential to grow quickly and spread to all other parts of her body

When Varalakshmi had recurrent fevers and tiredness the whole day, her parents asked her to take enough rest. She had just started with her 10th grade and was determined to score centum in all subjects. She was trying her best to focus, but she was too weak for that. Scan reports confirmed that she has Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, cancer that occurs in the blood and bone marrow. It progresses rapidly and creates immature blood cells, rather than mature cells.

"When the doctors called us inside and said that our daughter has cancer, I felt a pit of dread in my stomach. My husband stood numb. She is not able to bear the pain - she faints often and throws up everything she eats. It has just started and she has already lost all her energy; I can't bear to think of the coming days." - Kalpana.

Varalakshmi hopes to go back home soon but she needs regular chemo for the next 2 and a half years to recover completely

Varalakshmi is sad that she is unable to attend her classes. She thinks she can go to school after a month or so but this poor girl needs treatment for the next 2 and half years to recover completely. Without the regular chemo cycles, cancer can spread rapidly to all parts of her body and kill her. She keeps asking so many questions about the treatment and her parents do not have any strength to tell her. She asked her father to bring the books from home but it is still lying untouched because she can hardly get up from bed nowadays.

"I keep thinking what I did to deserve this? Despite our poverty, we had always given our children good food. We do not own anything, not even an own house. Our biggest asset is our children, they are our only hope in life. To see my daughter fighting for her life is painful and to realize that we can't do anything to help her is killing us every moment. It has been days since she had a proper meal. She throws up everything. I don't know how we are going to endure this pain and trauma for the next 2 years." - Kalpana.

Parents have already exhausted their resources and they have a long way to go to save their daughter's life

Varalasakhmi's father Vijayan works as two-wheeler mechanic and earns around Rs 4000 per month with which he manages to feed his family. He has already borrowed a huge sum of money in the past one month for her treatment. He has been running to everyone he knows from the day of her diagnosis, to try and fetch some money. He feels physically and mentally exhausted. Varalakshmi's brother Subaiarasan (19) is studying in the college. When he suggested dropping out to support his family, Vijayan broke into tears. He feels completely lost.  

"I have to take her once in every week for the chemo. Sometimes when she becomes too weak, we rush her to hospital. Hospital is 1 hour from my house. Doctors told us to keep her away from infections. We can't take her on a bus so every time we take an auto. My neighbors and friends are helping us. Sometimes auto drivers do not take any money from us, looking at her condition. But I don't know how long we can manage. I wish a miracle happens and this cancer is taken away, how else can I even imagine to save her life?

How you can help

14-year-old Varalakshmi is battling dreadful cancer. She needs treatment for the next 2 and a half years to recover completely. Her parents are determined to save her and willing to do anything but the financial challenges they face pose a threat to their willpower. They constantly fear that they might be forced to stop the treatment due to lack of funds. Without regular chemotherapy, Varalakshmi, a young girl full of aspiration,s will lose her life. Your support can save her life.

Your kind contribution can save this 14-year-old  from cancer and help her live a normal life

Supporting document

 The specifics of this case have been verified by the medical team at the concerned hospital. For any clarification on the treatment or associated costs, contact the campaign organizer or the medical team.

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