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A CAREGIVER’S STORY

How This Father Turned Despair Into Hope While His Son Battled Liver Disease

In 2020, the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak, and as Bimlesh and Deepa’s world was gripped by uncertainty, their son fell gravely ill. Suddenly, their once happy and colourful life was overshadowed by the looming fear of losing him. This is Bimlesh’s story as a father and caregiver, weaving through the challenging path of caring for his critically ill son, their journey marked by both pain and hope.

A CAREGIVER’S STORY

How This Father Turned Despair Into Hope While His Son Battled Liver Disease

In 2020, the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak, and as Bimlesh and Deepa’s world was gripped by uncertainty, their son fell gravely ill. Suddenly, their once happy and colourful life was overshadowed by the looming fear of losing him. This is Bimlesh’s story as a father and caregiver, weaving through the challenging path of caring for his critically ill son, their journey marked by both pain and hope.

A CAREGIVER’S STORY

How This Father Turned Despair Into Hope While His Son Battled Liver Disease

In 2020, the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak, and as Bimlesh and Deepa’s world was gripped by uncertainty, their son fell gravely ill. Suddenly, their once happy and colourful life was overshadowed by the looming fear of losing him. This is Bimlesh’s story as a father and caregiver, weaving through the challenging path of caring for his critically ill son, their journey marked by both pain and hope.

Written by:

Anoushka Pinto

One evening in June 2020, my then 11-year-old son suddenly said he didn’t want to attend cricket practice. One thing about my son is that there is nothing in the world that could come in between him and his love for cricket. So this came as a surprise to us, and I immediately sensed something was off. He looked visibly sick, and his forehead felt like it was on fire. He wasn’t one to fall ill, so worry instantly gripped my heart and we rushed him to a nearby clinic. Initial check-ups and tests suspected jaundice, and he was treated for the same. But as the days unfolded, his once bright eyes and skin turned a terrifying shade of yellow, and fear crept into our hearts as parents.

 

The next two months were nothing short of a nightmare for both my son and me. I had taken him to many hospitals, desperately seeking help, but COVID restrictions denied him admission anywhere. With each passing day his health only grew worse. His little stomach swelled up, and he was in constant pain, confined to his bed. Then at one of the last local hospitals we approached, the doctors ran some more comprehensive tests. The results hit me like a tidal wave — my son was battling a serious liver condition called Wilson’s disease. 

One evening in June 2020, my son suddenly said he didn’t want to attend cricket practice. One thing about my son is that there is nothing in the world that could come in between him and his love for cricket. So this came as a surprise to us, and I immediately sensed something was off. He looked visibly sick, and his forehead felt like it was on fire. He wasn’t one to fall ill, so worry instantly gripped my heart and we rushed him to a nearby clinic. Initial check-ups and tests suspected jaundice, and he was treated for the same. But as the days unfolded, his once bright eyes and skin turned a terrifying shade of yellow, and fear crept into our hearts as parents.

The next two months were nothing short of a nightmare for both my son and me. I had taken him to many hospitals, desperately seeking help, but COVID restrictions denied him admission anywhere. With each passing day his health only grew worse. His little stomach swelled up, and he was in constant pain, confined to his bed. Then at one of the last local hospitals we approached, the doctors ran some more comprehensive tests. The results hit me like a tidal wave — my son was battling a serious liver condition called Wilson’s disease. 

Bimlesh’s son amid his battle with liver disease.

His diagnosis left us shattered. My mind raced with questions – how could I afford his treatment, where would I find 18 lakhs? The thought of watching my only son’s life slip away haunted me. In times like these it is difficult to be hopeful. Despite the turmoil, deep down, I clung to the belief that giving up was not an option. The harsh reality of our financial situation, however, loomed large. I found myself blaming poverty, spending hours lost in self-reproach. My son’s life hung by a thread, and the cruel irony was that I couldn’t save him due to lack of funds.

Our local hospital in Kolkata directed us to a facility in Hyderabad, pinning our hopes on a potential cure—a liver transplant for my ailing son. When I first spoke to the doctor there over the phone, I shared my fears and financial struggles with him. He, in turn, quelled my worries, and urged us to come to Hyderabad as soon as we could. Every second felt like an eternity, and all I could think about was getting my son the help he needed.

Bimlesh’s son amid his battle with liver disease.

His diagnosis left us shattered. My mind raced with questions – how could I afford his treatment, where would I find 18 lakhs? The thought of watching my only son’s life slip away haunted me. In times like these it is difficult to be hopeful. Despite the turmoil, deep down, I clung to the belief that giving up was not an option. The harsh reality of our financial situation, however, loomed large. I found myself blaming poverty, spending hours lost in self-reproach. My son’s life hung by a thread, and the cruel irony was that I couldn’t save him due to lack of funds.

Our local hospital in Kolkata directed us to a facility in Hyderabad, pinning our hopes on a potential cure—a liver transplant for my ailing son. When I first spoke to the doctor there over the phone, I shared my fears and financial struggles with him. He, in turn, quelled my worries, and urged us to come to Hyderabad as soon as we could. Every second felt like an eternity, and all I could think about was getting my son the help he needed.

Bimlesh with his son amid his battle with liver disease

I was on the brink of financial collapse, and drowning in debt after borrowing money from several people to meet my son’s medical expenses. But something about the doctor’s reassuring tone filled me with a sense of determination. So, the moment flights resumed, I brought him to Hyderabad. It was our first time on a plane, but my son couldn’t enjoy it; he whimpered in pain throughout the entire journey.

As soon as we got to the hospital in Hyderabad, my son underwent all the routine tests, each result echoing the urgency of a liver transplant. My boy had begun to vomit blood, a sign that his liver was giving up. It was a miracle he’d come this far, and we didn’t want to risk losing this blessing by waiting longer for the transplant. The weight of helplessness settled in until the doctor shared a lifeline – crowdfunding through Milaap –  and this revelation would eventually become my saving grace.

In the quiet desperation of a father fighting for his son’s life, I became a caregiver, navigating the complexities of his medical procedure. Each day tested my strength, but I didn’t waver. I wiped away tears, administered care, and whispered prayers for my son’s recovery. I begged time for mercy, started a fundraising campaign, and reached out to every possible connection, pleading for help. 

Bimlesh with his son, amid his battle with liver disease.

I was on the brink of financial collapse, and drowning in debt after borrowing money from several people to meet my son’s medical expenses. But something about the doctor’s reassuring tone filled me with a sense of determination. So, the moment flights resumed, I brought him to Hyderabad. It was our first time on a plane, but my son couldn’t enjoy it; he whimpered in pain throughout the entire journey.

As soon as we got to the hospital in Hyderabad, my son underwent all the routine tests, each result echoing the urgency of a liver transplant. My boy had begun to vomit blood, a sign that his liver was giving up. It was a miracle he’d come this far, and we didn’t want to risk losing this blessing by waiting longer for the transplant. The weight of helplessness settled in until the doctor shared a lifeline – crowdfunding through Milaap –  and this revelation would eventually become my saving grace.

In the quiet desperation of a father fighting for his son’s life, I became a caregiver, navigating the complexities of his medical procedure. Each day tested my strength, but I didn’t waver. I wiped away tears, administered care, and whispered prayers for my son’s recovery. I begged time for mercy, started a fundraising campaign, and reached out to every possible connection, pleading for help. 

Bimlesh’s son post-transplant and in recovery.

Sleepless nights turned into agonisingly long days. Despite the urgency, a quiet voice within me preached patience. Then, a week after creating my fundraiser, I witnessed donations pouring in. These were not just numbers; they were the embodiment of hope, love, and empathy from people who didn’t know me but believed in my fight. Suddenly, this battle wasn’t mine alone; it was a collective effort to save my son. In those donations and accompanying messages, I found the strength to endure every moment of my son’s critical journey.

On September 24, 2020, I stood by my son while he received a cadaver liver transplant, a procedure that went smoothly, free from complications. By divine grace, he recovered well without any post-transplant issues. After about two weeks in the ICU under careful observation, he was discharged with a clean bill of health.

My son’s smiles slowly returned and I felt like we beat despair, showing that the hard work and care had paid off. It was worth all the sacrifices I had made. I had embraced each challenge that came our way with open arms and a strong resolve. My role went beyond the physical – I wasn’t just taking care of his body; I was guarding his hope and protecting his dreams, doing everything to keep him safe and happy.

Bimlesh’s son post-transplant and in recovery.

Sleepless nights turned into agonisingly long days. Despite the urgency, a quiet voice within me preached patience. Then, a week after creating my fundraiser, I witnessed donations pouring in. These were not just numbers; they were the embodiment of hope, love, and empathy from people who didn’t know me but believed in my fight. Suddenly, this battle wasn’t mine alone; it was a collective effort to save my son. In those donations and accompanying messages, I found the strength to endure every moment of my son’s critical journey. 

On September 24, 2020, I stood by my son while he received a cadaver liver transplant, a procedure that went smoothly, free from complications. By divine grace, he recovered well without any post-transplant issues. After about two weeks in the ICU under careful observation, he was discharged with a clean bill of health.

My son’s smiles slowly returned and I felt like we beat despair, showing that the hard work and care had paid off. It was worth all the sacrifices I had made. I had embraced each challenge that came our way with open arms and a strong resolve. My role went beyond the physical – I wasn’t just taking care of his body; I was guarding his hope and protecting his dreams, doing everything to keep him safe and happy.

Bimlesh and his son, recently.

Today, my 14-year-old son is not just healthy but happy. Although regular check-ups and long-term medications are part of his routine, he’s embracing normalcy, excelling in studies and extracurriculars. He has returned to school, resuming the joys of childhood. Watching him walk, run, and play with his friends is a heartwarming sight, a stark contrast to the struggles he faced during his battle against liver failure.

I share my caregiver story to remind you that even in moments of solitude, you’re not alone. Help surrounds you, waiting for you to reach out. Watching my son battle for his life was no less than hell. My wife and I attended to him tirelessly, day and night, tears in our eyes, unable to bear his suffering. Though this situation threatened to break me, I remained standing largely because I had sturdy shoulders to lean on. If I had been alone, I know I would have crumbled. In moments of discouragement, Milaap and hundreds of strangers illuminated a path through the darkness, and I remain eternally thankful to them for the kindness they showed my son. 

So, I want to say to you: if you are currently facing a similar situation, grappling with uncertainties and lack of financial support – don’t let fear consume you. The hesitation and ‘what ifs’ can be more dangerous than the ailments plaguing the loved one you’re caring for. Find the courage to seek help from anyone willing. Hold onto your faith, stay strong, put your foot forward one step at a time, and keep fighting.

Bimlesh and his son, recently.

Today, my 14-year-old son is not just healthy but happy. Although regular check-ups and long-term medications are part of his routine, he’s embracing normalcy, excelling in studies and extracurriculars. He has returned to school, resuming the joys of childhood. Watching him walk, run, and play with his friends is a heartwarming sight, a stark contrast to the struggles he faced during his battle against liver failure.

I share my caregiver story to remind you that even in moments of solitude, you’re not alone. Help surrounds you, waiting for you to reach out. Watching my son battle for his life was no less than hell. My wife and I attended to him tirelessly, day and night, tears in our eyes, unable to bear his suffering. Though this situation threatened to break me, I remained standing largely because I had sturdy shoulders to lean on. If I had been alone, I know I would have crumbled. In moments of discouragement, Milaap and hundreds of strangers illuminated a path through the darkness, and I remain eternally thankful to them for the kindness they showed my son. 

So, I want to say to you: if you are currently facing a similar situation, grappling with uncertainties and lack of financial support – don’t let fear consume you. The hesitation and ‘what ifs’ can be more dangerous than the ailments plaguing the loved one you’re caring for. Find the courage to seek help from anyone willing. Hold onto your faith, stay strong, put your foot forward one step at a time, and keep fighting.

Share this story with someone who could benefit from this advice or inspiration, especially if they are going through a similar situation.

Share this story with someone who could benefit from this advice or inspiration, especially if they are going through a similar situation.

Written by:

Anoushka Pinto

In times of need, support means everything, and with Milaap, you need not look any further. Milaap enables you to set up a fundraiser for any medical emergency within minutes, and you can easily raise funds for treatment expenses.

 

Do you know someone who could benefit from fundraising? Simply refer them to us and we’ll be happy to lend a hand.


Visit www.milaap.org or call us on +91 9916174848 to get started now.


For more information, write to us at cx@milaap.org.


In times of need, support means everything, and with Milaap, you need not look any further. Milaap enables you to set up a fundraiser for any medical emergency within minutes, and you can easily raise funds for treatment expenses.

 

Do you know someone who could benefit from fundraising? Simply refer them to us and we’ll be happy to lend a hand.


Visit www.milaap.org or call us on +91 9916174848 to get started now.


For more information, write to us at cx@milaap.org.


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