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“This condition has taken away any and every chance my son had of living a normal life. At 7-years-old, my child struggles to talk and walk on his own. I yearn to see him be like other kids, one day. My husband has long abandoned us, and I am alone in my fight to save my son. I can’t bear the thought of losing him...” - Hemalata, mother
He was diagnosed with a rare congenital spinal condition
Little Dukhuram's woes began the day he was born. A huge painful tumor-like lump has formed on his lower back that has wreaked havoc on his life. He suffers from myelomeningocele, a congenital defect of the backbone and spinal cord that occurs when a baby’s spine, spinal cord and spinal canal do not form or close properly.“It was really small when he was born. But as he got older, it grew along with him. No amount of medicines or ointments were effective in getting rid of it. Now it is ten times the size it once was, and every day is no less than hell for my child. He is unable to do anything because of this condition.” - Hemalata
He needs a surgery at the earliest
“It has affected his learning abilities to such an extent that he can’t remember anything that he’s been taught. Even if I try to talk to him, he looks at me blankly, unable to understand much. His teachers have also asked me to not bring him to school anymore. He can’t walk without support, neither can he control his urine or bowel movements. The doctor said he needs surgery as soon as possible…” - Hemalata
A single mother, she has no way of affording her son’s expensive surgery
Hemalata is a single mother to three children, Dukhuram being the oldest. After separating from her alcoholic and abusive husband, she became the sole breadwinner for her little family. She does farming for a living, earning a mere daily wage of INR 120. She only had about INR 6,000 in hand, and she spent it all on her son’s treatment so far.“It’s getting worse with each passing day. The lump on his back is gruesome to look at. I can only imagine how much pain he’s in. He doesn’t cry or even make a sound - just looks at me with sad eyes. It breaks my heart and I feel so helpless, unable to do anything. His condition could prove to be fatal and he needs this surgery urgently. But I’m failing to meet the expenses!” - Hemalata
The surgery will cost INR 8.15 lakhs, an amount that is impossibly large for Hemalata to bear on her own. Dukhuram needs your help. Your contributions can give him a second chance at life. Click here to donate.
