At first glance, Swikruti Ramchandra Kamble is like any other 11-year-old child. She plays, she falls down, and she hurts herself.

But that's her parents' worst fear.

You see, Swikruti was born with thalassemia major, an inherited blood disorder that causes red blood cells to break down prematurely, leading to severe anaemia. Swikruti's parents began noticing her symptoms within the first five months of her life, when she would turn pale and develop frequent fevers that wouldn't subside with medication. Their concerns were met with a lifelong diagnosis. Swikruti had thalassemia major.

Her father, Ramchandra Kamble, shares that after the diagnosis, the family's entire focus shifted to ensuring that Swikruti was okay.

"If the slightest thing happens to her, we get upset. Even if she gets a bit hurt, we get worried," he explains.

But that has also meant numerous sacrifices on their part.

Ramchandra still remembers the day Swikruti was diagnosed.

"All our dreams got crushed. We had dreamt of buying a new house, a vehicle, and so many other things. We just wanted to be a happy family, a normal family. But then everything changed because our goals changed overnight. Now, all we want is for Swikruti to get better," he shares.

And that's where the family needs your help.

Swikruti needs a bone marrow transplant.

Until now, blood transfusions every 21 days have been keeping her alive. But this also means a monthly expenditure of Rs 4,000.

"Since she needs nutritious, fresh food, and because there isn't anyone else to take care of her at home, my wife quit her job two years ago. As a result, our family's income has reduced," Swikruti's father shares.

A bone marrow transplant can replace unhealthy bone marrow with healthy stem cells from a matching donor. This would help her body produce healthy blood cells and reduce her dependence on lifelong blood transfusions.

But it's impossible without your help

For Swikruti's parents, every day is filled with equal parts hope and fear. They have done everything they can to keep their daughter healthy, but the cost of a bone marrow transplant is far beyond their means.

Your support can give Swikruti a chance at a life free from constant hospital visits and blood transfusions.

Swikruti herself has big dreams. She wants to grow up to become a haematologist — a specialised medical doctor who diagnoses, treats, and prevents diseases of the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system.

She hopes to help other children living with thalassemia and similar blood disorders.

Let's help make her dream come true. Donate today to help Swikruti receive the urgent treatment she needs.