“She was the rhythm of our home. The grace in our everyday life. But today, even lifting her hand leaves her in pain. My wife has cancer, and though she hides it behind a smile for our children, I see how badly it’s breaking her inside. Please help me continue her treatment. Let her live. Let her dance again.” —Gaurav, husband
Pooja was a kathak dancer and teacher, a woman who spent her days passing on the joy of movement to children and bringing stories to life through her art. Her students adored her. Her family cherished her. But stage 2 breast cancer has brought her life to a standstill.
‘She can’t even sit up and watch her students dance’
The disease and its painful treatment have taken a brutal toll on her body and mind. She can no longer teach. Her body has grown weak. The hands that once formed perfect mudras now tremble. Her feet that knew every beat and taal can barely hold her up.
“She used to sit up and try to watch videos of her students dancing, just to feel connected. But now even that has become too tiring. The chemo has left her with nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and so much pain. She hardly eats. And worst of all, she’s started losing hope.”—Gaurav
‘We just want her to live — please help us’
Pooja is more than a patient. She is a mother, a daughter, a friend, and a guiding light to every child she ever taught. She has completed two rounds of chemotherapy. Her surgery is due soon, followed by 11 cycles of targeted therapy. The total cost of treatment is estimated at ₹14 lakhs. But her family has exhausted their insurance, and all the savings are gone. And yet the fight is only halfway through. Gaurav is doing everything he can. But between managing the household, caring for their child, and supporting Pooja emotionally, he is stretched beyond his limits.
“She doesn’t say it, but I know she’s scared. She asks me if she’ll ever feel normal again. If she’ll be able to dance again. I don’t have answers anymore. All I know is that we need help. We need it now.”—Gaurav
Click here to contribute.
EIN 20-5139364
Share
