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“Even after everything we’ve been through these past 9 months, I’m just sitting here wondering how my child could have cancer? Despite all the money we’ve spent and the treatment he’s undergone, they tell us that his life is still in danger! Ayush is our only child and I can't bear the thought of losing him to this wretched disease!” - Alka, mother
He had a recurring fever and sizeable lump near his belly
Earlier this year, in April, Ayush ran a persistent and recurring fever that lasted about 2 months. In time, his parents had also noticed that a rather noticeable lump had appeared near his belly. They consulted a doctor immediately, and the 6-year-old had to sit through several tests and scans to determine what was wrong.“A whole month went by just for tests and investigations. There was so much back and forth, and we were basically running around in circles. We just wanted answers, but what we were being told had zero clarity. We waited with baited breath for the results, praying that it wasn’t anything serious, and he would be better in no time. But, we just weren’t prepared to find out that a rare cancer is claiming our son’s life...” - Alka
Ayush was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a cancer that is often found in the adrenal glands. The 6-year-old was immediately introduced to a treatment plan, where he was administered 4 cycles of chemotherapy to kill the fast-growing cancer cells in his body, followed by a surgery to remove the tumour, then 3 more cycles of chemotherapy.
He is a high risk patient, his cancer could relapse
The treatment had brought the disease under control, and Ayush’s condition was improving steadily and remarkably. His parents had been relieved to see him doing so well. But at a regular follow-up appointment, they found out that Ayush is a high risk patient, which means that there is a high chance of his cancer relapsing in the future.
“That was such a blow to the gut for me. Even after going out of our way to make sure our son gets the best possible treatment…. They recommended that he undergo stem-cell transplant as soon as possible to eliminate the risk, but the cost of this procedure is beyond our capability to afford! It feels like all my hopes have been crushed.” - Alka
He needs stem-cell transplant, but his parents cannot afford it
The only way Ayush can live a long and healthy life is if he gets an autologous stem-cell transplant, where his own stem cells will be used for the transplant. This way, he will be able to beat cancer and reduce the possibility of a relapse. But after spending over INR 5 lakh on his son’s treatment, Anil, the sole breadwinner of the family, has no way to meet the exorbitant expenses of this procedure.
“I am a private teacher, earning only 15,000 rupees per month. All these years, my income has been barely sufficient to keep my family afloat, but with my son’s medical bills piling up, it is becoming difficult for us to afford even a single meal a day. Everything we’ve spent so far has been from our own pocket. We received no help from anyone whatsoever, not even our families. Now, with all my resources exhausted, where in the world will I get 8 lakh rupees to save my son?” - Anil, father
‘It’s so tiring being in this hospital. How long do I have to endure this? What is going to happen to me?’, asks little Ayush. He is in dire need of your help to make it through this. You can support him in his fight against cancer, through your contributions. Click here to donate.
