I have always prided myself on being a good father. I was always of the opinion that while money was definitely a requirement, there wasn't any substitute to what love can do. But each one of my wishful thinking took a backseat as soon as my 12-year-old son was put on ventilator support.
My name is Raghavendran, and I am a daily-wage labourer. I have a 12-year-old son who has a hole in his heart. Manjunath is on a ventilator now, trying to recover from a critical heart condition. He would be playing outside right now if he wasn’t just out of heart surgery and forced to be in bed.
My Son Manjunath Has A Hole In His Heart
I am a carpenter by profession and the only breadwinner for my family. I have two sons Eashwar and Manjunath. My younger son Manjunath was born with a hole in his heart. Since one year after he was born, my wife Sitalakshmi and I are taking him for treatment.I still remember the day when doctors said Manjunath has a hole in his heart. We didn't know anything about diseases and treatments and so we thought it was the worst thing that could happen to anyone. We didn't realise we were holding our breaths until the doctors said that Manjunath's condition is reversible and might get better with time. That gave us hope to go on for next 12 years.We Have Been Taking Him For Treatment For The Last 11 Years
For the last 11 years, we have been moving hospitals for Manjunath's treatment. Despite all the medications, our child would turn blue from time to time. Last month, doctors informed us that Manjunath was required to undergo a major valve repair surgery as his condition no longer seems to be healing on its own. With much difficulty, we arranged funds for his surgery but he developed complications after that.
In such testing times, if there's one person who gave us hope, it's our son, Manjunath. But now he has on ventilator support and I am struggling to take him home.
We wish we weren't this poor
I earn a maximum of Rs. 10,000 per month. I take care of my ailing mother, the household expenses and make sure that I pay the school fees for both my sons on time. I have exhausted whatever little saving I had on Manjunath's treatment. Now I don't have a single rupee to pay off his hospital bills. He is on ventilator support, fighting for his life. As a father, it's my responsibility to do everything in my power to aid his battle. But how can I, when I am bearing the cross of poverty?
How you can help
Manjunath’s hospital expenses have gone to Rs. 5.5 lakh. This is an amount that I cannot even think of accumulating on my own. My family needs your help. Most importantly, my son needs your help.
With your support, this father can get his son back and give him the childhood he deserves
Supporting Document
The specifics of this case have been verified by the medical team at the concerned hospital. For any clarification on the treatment or associated costs, contact the campaign organizer or the medical team.Click here to help save Manjunath
