She Taught Thousands to Dream Big — Now This Single Mom Needs Your Help to Stay Alive for Her Own Children

My name is Kavitha. For over 20 years, I’ve been an assistant professor in Thanjavur, teaching and mentoring hundreds of students. Beyond academics, I’ve run a small trust to support underprivileged students and stood by many social causes. I’ve received nearly 70 awards and even spoken in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha — but what I cherish most are the messages from former students saying, “You changed my life.”

 

Ten years ago, my own life changed forever when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I went through surgery, 27 sessions of radiation, and six rounds of chemotherapy. Later, I had both ovaries removed to prevent recurrence. I believed it was over. I believed I had won, but life had other plans.

 A few months ago, I started experiencing a persistent cough and pain in my back. I hoped it was nothing, but deep down I knew. Scans confirmed it: the cancer had spread. To my left lung, liver and spine. Doctors say it is aggressive and spreading fast in my body.I cried in front of my children when I first got the diagnosis.

I’m now undergoing another brutal course of chemotherapy. The side effects are horrible. I feel like I’m walking through fog. My legs swell and go numb. My back feels like it’s breaking. I can’t sit or stand for long. My throat burns constantly. I force food down because I have to, not because I can. I’ve lost weight, my hair and my strength. I often lie awake at night, unable to sleep from the pain or the fear.

My son is just a boy, but he’s become my strength. He accompanies me to the hospital, helps me sit up when I’m in too much pain to move, and watches over his sister while I rest. My daughter is still little. She doesn’t understand everything, but she tries to make me smile. Her voice is the light I cling to on my darkest days.

When I was diagnosed with cancer ten years ago, I used to run a small academy to earn a little extra and stay independent. I had my father’s support the first time around. This time, there’s no backup – I have sold my home, and everything else I had. Each chemo cycle costs around ₹1 lakh. We’ve already spent ₹16 lakhs. I’ve used up all my savings. I’ve sold what I could. I’ve taken medical leave from work. There is no other income now. No cushion left to fall back on. I am now left with only mounting bills and growing exhaustion. But I can’t afford to give up.

I never thought I’d be the one asking for help. But life has brought me to my knees. I need continued treatment for two years, and I cannot afford it at all. If you’re reading this and can help—even in a small way—you will be helping not just me, but the young lives that depend on me.