Selviya has never known a life without needles, fear and hospitals. She was only seven months old when she was diagnosed with Thalassemia Major, a severe blood disorder that requires lifelong transfusions unless cured through a bone marrow transplant.

Since that day, her parents, Rohini and Rajdeep have lived in constant worry, watching their little girl’s blood levels drop dangerously fast, especially when she falls sick. Even though her two-year-old sister is an 80 percent match and her only hope for a cure, they are failing to proceed as the transplant costs more than they can ever earn.

A Life Controlled By Fear and Hospitals

From the day of her diagnosis, Selviya has been restricted, protected and kept under constant watch. Even a simple fever can cause her blood levels to fall rapidly and become life-threatening. At just seven months old, she began transfusions every 40 days, but as she grew older, her condition worsened, and now she needs them every 25 days. 

“We always live in fear. We cannot let her play freely or eat what other children eat because one small mistake can make her sick. Seeing her cry every time the needle goes in breaks me, but we have no choice. This is the only way to keep her alive.”- Rohini, mother

She Knows She Is Different And It Breaks Her Little Heart

As she grew older, Selviya began noticing that her friends and classmates never had to visit hospitals. She began asking painful questions that her parents struggled to answer. Two months ago, they finally sat her down and explained her condition, hoping to help her understand that she was not alone. They even introduced her to other children living with the same illness. But her response shattered them. 

“Please sell my toys and my cycle and get my treatment done. I do not want to go to hospitals anymore.” - Selviya 

A Cure Exists But It’s Out Of Their Reach 

Doctors have recommended a bone marrow transplant as the only cure, and her younger sister is a suitable match. Yet the treatment is far beyond their small income. Rajdeep works as a receptionist at a clinic and earns 10,000 rupees a month. Rohini stays home to care for both girls.

“We have not enjoyed a single day since her diagnosis. Every moment feels like a countdown until her next transfusion. We are scared of losing her because we cannot afford the cure.” - Rajdeep, father

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