A polio-affected father is fighting to save his son — he needs your help

“When Polio claimed my leg, I thought I would never lead a normal life. But I became a husband. And then, even a father. We were blessed with a miracle — a healthy baby boy who would never limp like me. I was relieved. But…things changed. Our baby had a severe brain injury. And suddenly, he was fighting death. He still is…I don’t know if he will survive.” - Rajiv’s father struggles to accept the reality.

A few years ago, Rajiv, a polio survivor, moved to Bengaluru from a small village in Bihar, in the hope of a good life. A daily-wage cleaner in a factory, he worked hard to support his family in Bihar. When his wife, Pratima, became pregnant, Rajiv was elated. He decided his child would live in a city and have a better life than he ever could. So, a few months after baby Rajbeer was born, Rajiv brought them to Bengaluru. But before he could let the joy sink in, the unthinkable happened. Baby Rajbeer had a fatal fall. 

Their joy turned to terror when his laughter turned to seizures 

Immediately after the fall, even before the baby could cry in pain, he had a seizure attack. The parents didn’t know what had happened. There was no sign of injury. There was no blood. They rushed to the hospital, scared for his life. 

“I didn’t know what was going on. And even if they told me, I couldn’t understand. How I wish I were educated! The pain of not knowing…it was too much. They said it was serious and that he needed immediate surgery. I couldn’t eat. Why, I couldn’t even sit. Would I see my son again? I didn’t know. Luckily, he survived that one. But…that wasn’t the end…” - Pratima, mother, breaks down

A part of baby Rajbeer’s skull was removed to keep him alive

Baby Rajbeer was diagnosed with a cerebrovascular accident with acute cerebral infarcts — a severe brain injury that caused internal bleeding and pressure inside the skull. He underwent a surgery called Decompressive hemicraniectomy, where a part of his skull was temporarily removed, to make room for his brain to swell and heal. Now, he needs another surgery to return the bone back to his brain. But Rajiv is struggling to afford it.

The cost of his baby’s life is 8 lakhs, and Rajiv can’t afford it

The surgery and hospital management will together cost them 8 lakh rupees, and Rajiv has no money left. As a daily-wage labourer, Rajiv earns Rs. 400 and lives a hand-to-mouth existence. He has spent all his savings on medical expenses so far. Now, he needs your help.

“Please help us save our son. We don’t have friends or family who can help us. Where do I go for such a huge amount? I want to save my son. I want him to live a long life. But I am scared I won’t be able to help him…please help us.” - Rajiv pleads

Any contribution from you, big or small, can help this family save their son and take him home. 

Donate now.