“The tumor in Saiful’s stomach hurts a lot - so much so that he can’t even change sides while sleeping. I can’t bear to see that sight when he wails out in pain due to the tumor. He clenches his teeth and holds on his mother but the pain doesn’t seem to subside. The only option that was there for us was to take him from Assam to Chennai for his treatment. Now in this new city, we don’t have enough money to have even two square meals a day. But I know this is just the start of all our struggles - I want Saiful to get cured of the severe pain as soon as possible and will do anything for that.” - Kholil, 5-year-old Saiful’s father.
Saiful's playful childhood changed when he started having severe stomach ache
Little Saiful lived a happy life in his small village in Assam. He would spend all day playing with this neighbourhood friends, and when he returned home, he would beg his parents to play with him. He was happy and active, and kept his parents on their toes. However, two months ago, little Saiful had such a terrible stomach ache that he couldn't even get up from his bed, let alone go out and play. Kholil and Salima knew something wasn’t right.
They never imagined that his stomach ache would lead to the diagnosis of a grave disease
Saiful’s parents didn’t waste time and took him to a hospital in Assam where they found that he has a tumor in his abdomen. Saiful was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of cancer which originates in certain types of white blood cells. Saiful needs to undergo high dose of chemotherapy to stay alive.
An old photo of Saiful
“It’s been more than 2 months since my son has eaten properly, he’s mostly on liquid diet. Sometimes after he has taken his medicines, he feels a little better. That's when he asks about his friends. He is sad he can't play like he used to, and tells me that he doesn’t want to stay in the hospital. He starts to cry and asks me when he can go back."
His parents are willing to do everything to save him - all they want is to take him back home, healthy
Kholil and Salima are spending their nights in the hospital's waiting room and corridors. They don’t have the money to rent a room in Chennai or to even buy food. They are at the mercy of others' kindness to get a meal. Kholil worked as a laborer in a construction site in Assam. He earned only Rs 250 per day, and couldn't save anything. He sold his only piece of land and borrowed money from his neighbours to try and afford his son's treatment. He has spent Rs 3 lakhs to save his son so far. If he fails to arrange Rs 15 lakhs now, little Saiful will lose his life.
How you can help
3-year-old Saiful is suffering from a form of cancer which has left the little boy in terrible pain. His parents have spent everything to save him. Now they don't even have the money for a meal. The poor parents will lose their little son without support.Your support will help little Saiful get a new 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.
