“He used to be so full of energy, always happy and making others around him happy. But now he can barely get out of bed, and when he does he needs a wheelchair… It… It just breaks my heart. He’s only 13 years old.” – Poorabi, mother
It had all started a few weeks ago, when a sudden fever had literally brought young Shyamnath to his knees. He had become very weak.
“We couldn’t understand what was happening. One minute he was okay, and the next he could barely move. In the last 3-4 years he had never even gotten a fever or a cold, he was always the most energetic presence in our home. To see him like this now, we were so terrified.” – Ashish, father
After being rushed to a local clinic, where it was discovered that his blood count was abnormally low, Shyam was taken to a larger city hospital where the doctors ran some tests, and then broke the news to Poorabi and Ashish that would forever change their world.
“Your son has cancer"
Young Shyam was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, a type of blood and bone marrow cancer. While the whole family took this news hard, young Shyam took it in stride. Not only has he taken full control and responsibility over his medicines, never failing to take them at the appropriate times, he even goes so far as to console his family.
“It’s okay, mom, really. So what if I have cancer? I’ll get it out of my system soon enough, don’t worry. Please don’t be sad!”
But what Shyam doesn’t know is that those medicines are not enough to save his life. He needs chemotherapy, a treatment that his parents cannot afford.
“We just own a stationery shop. In a good month, we can earn around 6,000 – 8,000. But his treatment is going to cost anywhere around 10,00,000. I don’t know what we’re going to do. I have not had the strength of heart yet to tell Shyam we can’t afford to make him better. I just smile and let him tell me everything will be okay.” – Ashish
Shyamnath does not have much time left. He needs to start chemotherapy immediately, but Ashish and Poorabi cannot afford it.
Donate, and save his 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 organiser or the medical team.
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