Even After Getting A New Liver, 16-year-old Ismail Is Battling For His Life And Needs Your Help

“He’s just 16 years old and he’s already been very critical before. 3 years ago, he had a liver transplant and now, he’s weak and unwell again. I don’t know why this keeps on happening again and again! I donated a part of my liver and will donate any part if necessary to save my only son.”- Ismail’s mother, Khadira Be.

After receiving a transplant, Ismail Khan beat the odds of survival after his liver had completely failed a few years ago. Now, his Ismail is suffering again due to a serious problem in his liver and only a surgery can save him. His parents did everything they could before and now, have absolutely nothing left to save him.


Khadira Be and Ismail

3 years ago, Ismail fought for his life

“Your son has 6 months to get a transplant. After that, it’ll be too late to save him.”

These were the words Khadira Be and her husband had to face 3 and a half years ago. This isn’t the first time Ismail is suffering. Ismail was affected with Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis (PFIC), a severe liver disorder that deteriorated his entire liver when he was just 10 years old.

“He had sustained jaundice. His urine, eyes, skin and fingers were as yellow as turmeric. His stomach was extremely swollen. He wasn’t able to eat right. He couldn’t even sleep for one hour because he was feeling itchy every minute. I wouldn’t take him out because people would look at him and get shocked. He was suffering a lot and this was terribly hard to see. The doctor said that we needed Rs. 25 lakhs for his surgery. Through their help and other sources, we managed to get the transplant done. I donated a part of my liver to my boy but now, he’s showing those same problems before. No mother can watch her son like this.” – Khadira Be, while shedding tears.

Using news channels, doctors help and borrowing from friends and family in their community, Khadira Be and her husband, Basheer Khan, managed to get the liver transplant done and save Ismail.


Basheer, Ismail and Khadira Be

Ismail is suffering again due to a post-transplant abnormality

After the transplant, Ismail was fine and leading a normal life. But in the last 2 months, his problems have resurfaced and he’s in serious pain again.

“Again, he’s just very itchy. He hasn’t slept properly for 2 months and his urine and eyes are again very yellow. He’s not eating right too and has lost over 3 kilos in the last month. The doctors said that only a surgery will help him get better. He doesn’t speak at all and never asks for anything. I just feel so terrible and I don’t want him to go through the pain again.” – Khadira Be

Ismail was diagnosed to have a bile duct narrowing, an abnormality that develops in 10-15% of patients after a liver transplant. If untreated, this could cause serious harm to his liver and the rest of his body, which would be life-threatening. He needs an urgent surgery to correct this. Poverty-stricken, his parents are finding it very difficult to provide for his surgery.

Khadira and Basheer need help to save Ismail

Ismail’s father Basheer, is uneducated and works at a tea and coffee stall. He earns a meager amount of Rs. 450 per day. Khadira is a housewife and together, they have 4 kids in total. It’s impossible for them to save any money and they have exhausted all they had on Ismail’s hospital visits and medicines.


Basheera, Khadira, Ismail and his sisters

“After the transplant, Ismail’s medicines every month cost around Rs. 3000. Now, there are additional medications we need to purchase and this is something we can’t afford. It’s okay if I don’t get to eat food but I make sure he gets the medicines he deserves. Now, how can poor people like us get so much money for a surgery?” – Khadira Be

The total cost of the liver surgery is estimated to be around Rs. 2.5 lakhs. Ismail’s parents simply cannot afford to provide for a surgery again in a period of 3 years. Now, they are left with no option but crowdfunding.

How you can help

Ismail beat the odds of survival and had received a liver transplant 3 years ago. The 16-year-old is suffering from a fatal abnormality in his liver and only a surgery can save his life again.  Now, his family have no money to provide for his surgery and need your support to help him lead a normal life.

Your contribution will save Ismail for the second time.

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 save Ismail