Born with part of her spinal cord poking out of her back, this baby is fighting for her life.

“We prayed for a baby girl for years. When the doctor said it was a girl, I was over the moon with joy. But I saw something poking out from her lower back. I didn’t know what was happening. When they said it was part of her spinal cord that was exposed, our world came to a standstill. Would she live?” - Sonit Kumar, father

Sonit Kumar and Sapna Devi, who live in a small village in Uttarakhand, for once, dared to dream of a grand life they would give their newborn daughter and their sons. Sonit had decided to work extra hours and do everything in his power to protect this girl from all hardships. But when she was born with a life-threatening condition, all their dreams turned into a nightmare. 

Sapna Devi was 10 months pregnant when she finally gave birth

All through the pregnancy, the couple was worried about complications that came with preterm delivery. When they crossed the 8th month with no signs of labour, they were relieved. But when Sapna entered her 10th month of pregnancy and there were still no signs, she knew something was wrong.

“The doctors said I wouldn’t survive if we waited any longer. The baby had to be forced out. When I woke up, I was grateful to know we had both made it. But they told me my baby was fighting a grave disease. She is just a few days old, and she is already suffering so much. I have never seen or heard of such a frightening disease. Why her? Why is it my baby?” - Sapna Devi, mother, breaks down

Diagnosed with SPINA BIFIDA, the baby needs urgent surgery

Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele is a disease of the central nervous system that occurs at birth. Born with this defect, Sapna’s baby has a fluid-filled sac on her lower back that contains part of her spinal cord and nerves. The disease causes disabilities like muscle weakness, loss of bladder and bowel control, and even paralysis. Only an urgent surgery that costs 6,50,000 rupees can cure her disease. But the parents can’t afford it.

For Sonit, a daily-wage labourer, 6.5 lakh rupees is unattainable. You can help.

Sonit Kumar, a daily-wage labourer, never says no to a job. He takes them up, even on days when he feels like he can’t. But no matter what he does, he earns no more than 10 to 12k rupees a month. Having spent all his life’s savings on Sapna’s pregnancy and delivery, he has no means to afford the 6.5 lakhs that can save his daughter. He needs you.

“I managed to pay some bills by borrowing from friends. Now, I have nothing left. It’s become difficult even to have one meal a day. Our baby girl is home with us now, because I can’t even afford the hospital stay. Please help me save her. Just this once. Please,” Sonit Kumar pleads.