Payel is an 8-year-old girl full of smiles and joy.
When she was diagnosed with final stage of cancer, her family was shaterred. The news however, didn't affect Payel who is filled with hope that she will fight this disease with all her might.
What is Ewing's Sarcoma?
Payel has been diagnosed with what is called Ewing's Sarcoma - a malignant small, round, blue cell tumor. It is a rare disease in which cancer cells are found in the bone or in soft tissue.
It all started when 48-year-old Chandan noticed that his daughter had difficulty closing her mouth. Even talking seemed painful.
"She was not talking properly, and her mouth was never closed. I checked and saw that her top and bottom teeth were clashing with each other and was causing a lot of disturbance." - Chandan,48,father of Payel
Chandan took Payel to the local dentist in their village in West Bengal, who immediately requested for a biopsy. Payel's tooth pain was due to an infection that had spread through her molars.He went on to tell the devastated parents that their daughter had cancer in her teeth. This cancer was in the last stage and had to be treated immediately. No more time could be wasted. "She has been undergoing chemotherapy for the last 2 months. She will be required to undergo multiple cycles of chemotherapy before getting a bone marrow transplant, which is the final solution," said Chandan, who is the only breadwinner for his family of 3.
Hailing from a small town South 24 Parganas in West Bengal, Chandan does odd jobs every day and takes home that day's salary - sometimes delivering items from one place to the other, other times picking up material for small shops present in town. Chandan always made sure that he paid his daughter's school fees on time. Payel, who studies in 1st grade is loved by all her friends and teachers.
Unfortunately, she was forced to quit school to get treated full-time. "She is in so much pain because of the chemotherapy. She misses her school, her friends. I just want to give her a happy and healthy childhood. It breaks my heart to see my child like this."- Chandan
The family shifted to Bengaluru, Karnataka where Payel has been admitted and undergoes multiple sessions of chemotherapy. Her parents try to cheer her up as much as she can, but she is aware of the seriousness of her disease.
"She is only 8 years old. But she knows very well the seriousness of her disease," said a devastated Chandan.
How Can You Help?
Your support can help little Payel continue her chemotherapy treatment and go back to school a happy child!
Click here to support this cancer warrior in her fight against the disease!
