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Priya Kumar had always happily worked and made sacrifices to give her sons a future. They were her only light in a life of constant struggle. But when her youngest son's fever refused to break, and two ominous lumps appeared beneath his neck, fear gripped her heart.
Doctors there didn't need many extensive tests to deliver the devastating news—the lump was cancerous. Priya's 12-year-old son, who had barely begun to experience life, was diagnosed with an aggressive blood cancer: B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
"In just a few days, the colour, energy, and appetite drained away from his face. I was terrified, something was wrong." - Priya, mother.
My Days Now Start and End With WorryAfter being referred to Madurai Meenakshi Mission Hospital for treatment, Priya and her son traveled three hours by public transport for every session. But that's the start of their struggles. Chemo and radiotherapy sessions were the only options, and they were grueling. Even the medicines come loaded with side effects like stomachaches, vomiting, headaches, and weakness.
"He doesn't eat, play, or walk well. Suffers from headaches and vomits a lot. Nothing is normal anymore; my boy is only going through pain." - Priya, mother.
He Misses Being a ChildPriya's son used to be an active, fun-loving boy studying in 7th grade. He always had energy for shenanigans, school, and games. But ever since he fell sick, this boy hasn't been able to step outside. Now, his days are confined to hospital visits and their modest home.
"Everything was fine till he fell sick. Now, he's too depressed to want to step out. Even if he does want to, cancer doesn't let him." - Priya, mother
I Have No Support, Not Even From My HusbandSenthilkumar, this child's father, is a daily wage worker battling alcoholism. He offers no emotional or financial support. He is not even in a state to do so. This leaves Priya to bear the brunt of it all.
Life was always this harsh to her. But now her son's life is on the line. Despite her relentless efforts, the absence of her husband's help has made an already overwhelming situation nearly impossible.
"I'm the only person taking care of my boy. I can't rely on my husband, and now I'm reaching my breaking point." - Priya, mother
Doctors Say Constant Treatment Is a Must, but How Do I Manage ThatPriya has sold her jewels and borrowed from friends and family to cover the 1.5 lakhs spent so far. But, the doctors say treatment will take three years and MUST be done consistently. With treatment costs at 8 lakhs, Priya has no support left. Caring for her son has kept her from working for six months.
"I'll do whatever it takes to keep him in treatment, even if I'm sick or starving. But what happens when I can't pay anymore?" - Priya, mother
I Can't See Him In This Pain AnymoreEach chemotherapy session weakens this boy. While the treatments are breaking down the cancer, they're attacking his spirit faster. Priya's dream of her son having a normal life bleeds out without financial help. If his treatment comes to a standstill, his survival is impossible.
"All I want now is for him to play outside again. He deserves a normal life, but without the money, I don't know what to do" - Priya, mother.
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