“I had a fever. I had to take medicines. I thought I would get better. I didn’t. Now I am afraid to close my eyes. I might not wake up.”10-year-old Abinaya was in hospital scrubs for her birthday, unable to eat cake, or even get off the bed to wear her birthday dress. She is fighting end-stage liver disease where her liver is almost entirely, irreversibly scarred. With over 80% damaged cells, Abinaya’s liver is unable to get rid of the toxins in her body. She needs a new organ at the earliest without which she will succumb to the disease.
They never thought a fever would put her on the deathbed
“Did you know that liver is called liver because you cannot live without it. It is life-giving and even regenerates on its own, unlike any other organ. My teacher told me when we first started human biology.”Abinaya had read all about jaundice. When her skin, eyes, and urine turned yellow, she knew what was happening. To make things worse, Abinaya was unable to eat and felt queasy even if she drank water. At first, her parents believed it to be a stomach disorder, but reality struck them when she was not even able to sit up on her bed.
Abinaya’s body is telling her that she does not have long
“I remember the doctor saying that it is critical. They told my parents I needed surgery. I was very scared. I am still scared. We had to leave our village in Thiruvarur and come to Chennai only to know that I may die. My parents do not talk about all this in front of me. My body is telling me that I may not have enough time.”Abinaya was looking forward to celebrating her birthday, but she had to stay in the hospital. Her parents did not tell her the truth. However, the weakness from starvation, severe pain in her abdomen, constant vomiting, itching and continuous blood transfusions were enough to terrify this little girl.
They sold everything, even the villagers are contributing to her surgery
“I want to go home. My father is an auto driver. I know how much he struggles for us. This surgery will cost a lot. I don’t think my parents can pay for it. My mother is always crying when she thinks I am not looking. I do not want to hurt anyone. But, I don’t want to die either. I just want to be better and go home.”
Abinaya’s parents got tested to be a donor. Her mother, Deepa, is a match and she can save her daughter’s life now. However, what the family lacks is money. Her father, Sankar, is working day and night to make at least Rs. 100 extra every day so they can have a shot at doing the surgery. The villagers have been visiting Abinaya at the hospital and donating every Rs. 10, Rs. 50 or Rs. 100, they could save towards her treatment. Still, the family is far from the goal of Rs. 20 Lakhs.
You can help save this little girl
“Appa has sold our house. He got less than 1.5 Lakhs for it. I don’t see Amma wearing earrings or chain anymore. I think they sold that too.”Every passing minute is time lost in saving Abinaya’s life. She is currently very critical and needs the transplant within days to survive.
Your contribution is the only chance to save her life.
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.
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