Durga Puja is just days away. Soon the streets will glow with lights, children will wear new clothes, and families will visit pandals. But Srikrishna and Minakshi’s 3-year-old will be in the hospital again for another blood transfusion. That is the only thing keeping him alive right now.
“My son has a rare blood disorder, and needs an urgent stem cell transplant. I earn only ₹9,000 a month doing temporary work and daily farm labour. We have already sold our only piece of land and spent everything…but the transplant that will give him a new life will cost ₹40 lakh.
I have nothing left. I am begging you to help me save my child.” — Srikrishna Maity, father
‘He has been suffering since he was 7 months old…he can’t even play like other kids’
The first signs appeared when his skin turned pale and he became unusually tired. At just seven months old, doctors diagnosed him with Thalassemia Major, a severe blood disorder where the body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells. Since then, every month has meant another blood transfusion, another hospital visit, and another battle to keep him alive. The child’s body often feels weak, he is prone to constant infections, and even small fevers leave him completely drained. While other children of his age play outside during festivals, he sits quietly indoors, too weak to join them.
“When I see other children running around in new clothes, I feel guilty. It breaks my heart because my husband and I cannot even afford to buy him a new dress for the Puja because we have to spend everything we have to keep him alive.” — Minakshi Maity, mother
‘I don’t have a permanent job and we have sold everything we had…but even that’s not enough’
Srikrishna works as a daily-wage farmer and takes whatever temporary jobs he can get. Because he keeps missing work to take his son to the hospital, many places have let him go. Whatever he manages to earn goes into food, rent, and his child’s hospital visits. The couple even sold their only land and borrowed what they could, but ₹40 lakh is far beyond their reach.
“Time is running out. Without the transplant, my child’s life will always hang by a thread. He will never be able to live a normal life or study well or pursue his dreams. His sickness will always limit him. Please help us. Maa Durga protects her children. Maybe her blessing can reach us through you.” — Srikrishna
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EIN 20-5139364
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