“Everything was normal that day. Shivam had just been back from school and was going to finish his homework first, when he suddenly started vomiting continuously for the next 30 minutes. He was also running a high fever. Before we could understand what was happening, he fainted. We were lucky to have called the ambulance right in time to reach the hospital or we would have lost him,” –Sanjay Kumar, father.
Little Shivam Kumar was diagnosed with brain fever and was taken straight to the ICU, where he has been fighting to survive for the last 15 days now. He was just getting better when a blood infection started weakening his vital organs, which is making recovery very slow. His parents, Sanjay and Sunita are still in shock and cannot believe how their healthy son landed in the ICU so unexpectedly. But most of all, they’re struggling to keep up with his treatment costs.
An old photo of Shivam‘He was unconscious for 3 days, we didn’t know if he would ever wake up’
Shivam had lost consciousness completely for the first 3 days he was admitted to the hospital. “He is somebody who never used to fall ill regularly. Even on the coldest of Delhi nights, he would never get a running nose or even a sore throat like the rest of us. Seeing him in that position really scared us, but we found solace in remembering what a good boy our child is – how he always obeys us and is never too naughty or difficult to handle,” recalls Sanjay.
Shivam (2nd from left, with his brother and cousins): an old photo
Shivam has now opened his eyes, but cannot speak or eat due to the tubes that run all over his mouth. He just stares at his parents blankly, as that’s all he can do. His parents never leave his side even for a bit. “Doctors have encouraged us to stay close by at all times, they want to encourage Shivam to move a limb or show any sign that he is getting better,” adds a teary-eyed Sunita.
‘Despite earning a meager salary, I have spent lakhs already’
Sanjay works in a private company in Delhi and earns around Rs 15,000 every month. He is the sole breadwinner of his family consisting of his two sons – Shivam (6) and Shubham (3) and wife, Sunita. They live in a modest rented apartment near Mongol, Delhi. Despite earning so less, he had to spend more than Rs 6 lakhs till now to keep his son alive. “I took some money from my brother-in-law who has come down from Bihar to help us, and also people I know. But we are running short on money and Shivam needs prolonged ICU care to survive. I really need some help,” says Sanjay.
How you can help
6-year-old Shivam has opened his eyes after suffering from a severe bout of brain infection, but there is a long road to recovery. He is also fighting deadly blood infection that has weakened his body. He can survive with prolonged ICU care, but his parents are finding it difficult to continue his treatment after spending more than they can afford till now.Your kind contribution can ensure that Shivam recovers completely and becomes healthy again
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.
