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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.
My cancer has returned—and this time, it’s more cruel than ever
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.
If something happens to me, my children will be orphaned
I am a single mother. I have two children—my son, 16, and my daughter, 11. Their father is no longer a part of our lives. He offered neither emotional nor financial support during my first battle with cancer. After years of carrying the weight of that broken marriage, I finally chose peace. I separated from him completely. Now, it’s just the three of us.
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.
I need to live, not for myself—but for my children and students who depend on me. Please help me
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.
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