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“Gangadhar is very perceptive. He sees the hardships we face every day, and how we beg and borrow money from wealthier people so we can meet his medical needs. He often tells me, 'Mummy, please let me undergo surgery soon. I want to spend more days in school and study hard. I want to get a good job when I grow up and make a lot of money, so we never have to worry again.' It breaks my heart to hear him say that - he should be enjoying every moment of his childhood. Instead, I am having to watch him grow up too early for his age.” - Laxmi, mother
Blood transfusions have kept him up until now, but it’s no longer enough
7-year-old Gangadhar has been suffering from thalassemia major, since he was only an infant. The blood disorder, which hampers new blood cell production and limits oxygen supply through the body, has posed a serious challenge to his growth and development over the years. But more so, with the rate at which it is progressing, it has also put his life at risk.“All this while, we were able to manage his condition and keep him alive with regular transfusions. At first, he needed one transfusion every month. But as time passed, the need increased, and for the last 2 years he has been getting one transfusion every 15 days. The doctors say that it will only get worse, and he can’t be transfusion-dependent his whole life, as the iron overload from constant transfusions could cause a lot of harm to his body. His only way out now is a bone marrow transplant.” - Murthiappa, father
His life has revolved around hospital visits and medicines
Ganghadar doesn’t really have any pleasant memories of his childhood to look back on. For as long as he can remember, he’s been to the hospital more times than he can count, and his daily meals are always followed by a pill or two - both of which are necessary for his survival. Hence, he feels envious of his 13-year-old brother, whose health has never warranted hospitalisation or medication.“He doesn’t like it, but on the doctor’s advice, he has to be under constant supervision. I don’t allow him to run about, jump around or do anything strenuous because he gets tired very easily and tends to experience shortness of breath. So, he's envious of the fact that his brother doesn't have all the restrictions that he does, and often asks me, 'Mummy, when will I be like my brother?' I never have an answer for him…” - Laxmi, woefully
An enthusiastic and bright student, school is the only thing that keeps him going
“He is very intelligent and always scores good grades. Due to his condition, he can attend classes for only 15 days a month, but it hasn’t dampened his spirits or his keenness to learn. When he returns to class after a brief absence, he tries to pick up everything he missed out. His teachers are always singing his praises, and it makes me very proud. If he's doing so well in school when he's sick, imagine what he will do when he's healthy. A bone marrow transplant can transform his life for the better. To think the cure is within our grasp, yet so far away…” - Laxmi, mother
His parents sacrifice their meals to save up for his treatment, but still can’t afford it
Gangadhar's mother, Laxmi, works as a domestic help and earns INR 2,000 a month from washing vessels. Meanwhile, Gangadhar’s father, Murthiappa, works as a helper and earns INR 12,000, which is their only means of sustenance. The family depends on the PM’s ration for their food, and sometimes when they don’t have sufficient money for even that, these parents forgo their meals in order to save up money for Gangadhar's transfusions.
“Our children mean the world to us, and we’ve always strived to give them the best. Despite being poor and uneducated, we didn’t want to make any compromises for them. We put them in private schools, so they could pursue a good education and flourish in whatever they wish to do. This is all we have ever wanted for Gangadhar. We want him to have a fair chance at living the life he deserves. Please help me give him that..” - Laxmi
After borrowing from everyone they knew and putting everything they had on the line, these parents are at the end of their tether and are requesting your support to save their son’s life. Click here to donate and help Gangadhar undergo bone marrow transplant.
