In 12 Hours, You Can Help Save Tashma's Life From Liver Failure

Two days ago, lying in an emergency ward, 7-year-old Tashma cried to her parents.

"All these days when I didn't want, you forced me to eat and drink eat. Now, I'm very thirsty. I'm begging you for water. Why won't you give me anything?"

Vedavalli burst out crying. It felt like she was hearing her daughter's dying wish - a glass of water. But she cannot fulfill it, as it would ruin any chances of Tashma's survival. Tashma has acute liver failure and is in critical condition. She needs a liver transplant today to survive.


Tashma, just a few months ago

We missed every sign and symptom - and now she is suffering

Tashma has Wilson's disease. Her body cannot get rid of copper, so it builds up in her organs and blood. Eventually, it destroys the liver and brain function. Until 15 days ago, they did not even realize that she had been having symptoms of the disease all her life. Now, every minute's delay means losing her forever.

"She was a poor eater. Doctors said it is normal. When she had fever, we thought it was because she was sitting under AC in school. When she complained of stomach ache, we believed it was because she was not eating well. Lately she has been silent. Hardly active. We should have known something is wrong." - Ganesh, Maternal Uncle

Vedavalli is unable to stop crying as she sees her daughter unconscious in the ICU

She was screaming one minute and the next, she is not even conscious

Two Fridays ago, Tashma complained of stomach ache. She said she was not able to even urinate. Within a day, they noticed that she was yellow. It was jaundice and it was getting worse. A scan at the local hospital revealed she had liver disease. The family took an ambulance and came to Chennai.

"For 4 days, she was in a government hospital, getting worse. She began urinating blood. She was not able to bear the pain. 48 hours from then, we admitted her into the ICU. There are tubes and wires covering her entire body. She was terrified, crying for us to stop the pain, give her some water, before she was sedated. " - Vedavalli, Mother

Two weeks ago, at Ganesh's engagement, just before Tashma collapsed in pain

There is no more time left to arrange for funds

The family realized they needed a few lakhs to start the treatment. Seshadri, Vedavalli, and her brother, Ganesh, borrowed money from neighbors, sold their valuables and arranged Rs 3 lakhs. The bills are piling as Tashma needs ICU care and pretransplant tests. They now have an outstanding bill of Rs. 3 lakhs, and also need Rs. 18 lakhs more for the transplant. With less than 12 hours to go, the family is frantic for help.

Tashma, unrecognizable under all the tubes and wires

"My husband works in a beauty parlor. He gets Rs. 400/day. We try to do our best for Tashma and our 4-year-old son. We cannot afford this hospital or the treatment but when our daughter cried as if the pain was killing her, we decided to do whatever it takes to save her life. Am I too late? Can I still find a way?" - Vedavalli

Ganesh consoles Vedavalli, unable to hold back his own tears

Vedavalli is donating a portion of her liver to Tashma. Everything is ready for the transplant. Tashma's condition is currently stable and so the transplant needs to be done before any other symptom takes her life.

The surgery will happen today. The family has been able to arrange only Rs. 3000. They are desperate for help.

Tashma is 7 years old, terrified of the disease that has been killing her slowly. Today, you can help cure her. This is her only chance.

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 Tashma