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A Caregiver’s Story

From Darkness To Light: A Mother's Journey With Her Teenage Daughter's Cancer Battle

My name is Jayanthi, and I am a domestic worker. My husband toils as a daily wage laborer, and together, we have a son and a daughter. Four years ago, our lives took an unexpected turn when our daughter, was just 13.

A CAREGIVER’s STORY

From Darkness To Light: A Mother's Journey With Her Teenage Daughter's Cancer Battle

My name is Jayanthi, and I am a domestic worker. My husband toils as a daily wage laborer, and together, we have a son and a daughter. Four years ago, our lives took an unexpected turn when our daughter, was just 13.

A caregiver’s Story

From Darkness To Light: A Mother's Journey With Her Teenage Daughter's Cancer Battle

My name is Jayanthi, and I am a domestic worker. My husband toils as a daily wage laborer, and together, we have a son and a daughter. Four years ago, our lives took an unexpected turn when our daughter, was just 13.

Written by:

Arthi Vendan

It started with terrible body pains and relentless colds that wouldn’t go away. We visited numerous hospitals, hoping for a simple diagnosis of general weakness due to her recent puberty. But the pain persisted, growing more unbearable with each passing day.

 

I remember the moment when I had to call Ramya, whose house I work at, to inform her that I needed to take leave because my daughter’s cries of agony over the phone were too loud to ignore. Ramya insisted we bring her home immediately. From there, we rushed to a hospital, where the doctor’s words struck us like lightning:

This is not normal pain. Something serious is going on.

It started with terrible body pains and relentless colds that wouldn’t go away. We visited numerous hospitals, hoping for a simple diagnosis of general weakness due to her recent puberty. But the pain persisted, growing more unbearable with each passing day.

 

I remember the moment when I had to call Ramya, whose house I work at, to inform her that I needed to take leave because my daughter’s cries of agony over the phone were too loud to ignore. Ramya insisted we bring her home immediately. From there, we rushed to a hospital, where the doctor’s words struck us like lightning:

This is not normal pain. Something serious is going on.

Jayanthi.

The diagnosis shattered our world—blood cancer. My husband and I couldn’t comprehend the weight of those words. We decided not to reveal the truth to our child. With no support from my side of the family and the stigma surrounding cancer, we kept the news confined within the walls of our home.

Every visit to the cancer hospital was a reminder of our harsh reality. Our daughter innocently thought it was a place where people went to get blood. I had to be strong, for her sake. I carried the weight of my fears and pain silently, putting on a brave face for my daughter. Sometimes, when your world crumbles and everything falls apart, that’s when you learn to gather the strength to pick yourself up again.  

 

My love for my daughter was the only thing that kept me going through her illness. I reminded myself repeatedly that breaking down would mean losing my family. I did everything within my power to ensure my daughter had what she needed, following every instruction the doctors gave us and making sure not to miss anything. I meticulously noted down the names of every fruit and vegetable they said would benefit my daughter’s health. Because she is the child of a domestic worker, she shouldn’t be deprived of any comfort or basic needs in life. 

Jayanthi.

The diagnosis shattered our world—blood cancer. My husband and I couldn’t comprehend the weight of those words. We decided not to reveal the truth to our child. With no support from my side of the family and the stigma surrounding cancer, we kept the news confined within the walls of our home.

Every visit to the cancer hospital was a reminder of our harsh reality. My daughter innocently thought it was a place where people went to get blood. I had to be strong, for her sake. I carried the weight of my fears and pain silently, putting on a brave face for my daughter. Sometimes, when your world crumbles and everything falls apart, that’s when you learn to gather the strength to pick yourself up again.  

 

My love for my daughter was the only thing that kept me going through her illness. I reminded myself repeatedly that breaking down would mean losing my family. I did everything within my power to ensure my daughter had what she needed, following every instruction the doctors gave us and making sure not to miss anything. I meticulously noted down the names of every fruit and vegetable they said would benefit my daughter’s health. Because she is the daughter of a domestic worker, she shouldn’t be deprived of any comfort or basic needs in life. 

 

Image used for representation purpose only.

I informed her school, though initially, they didn’t believe us. However, when I showed them the reports, they understood. I made sure to inform every teacher and the principal to let us know if they noticed any changes in her or if she needed any help. None of her friends knew about her illness. I gave her a mobile phone to use, with instructions to switch it off during class, so she can call us if anything urgent arises. I ensured that she was never left alone, yet she continued to live a normal life. I didn’t want her to experience the fear of cancer, like the sleepless nights I endured.

Honestly, we had no savings left. But I was determined to give my daughter the treatment she deserved. It was then that Ramya started a fundraiser on Milaap, which turned out to be our lifeline during the challenging times, especially with my husband unable to work due to the pandemic.

 

What made it even more challenging was the absence of anyone outside of my immediate family to confide in about my daughter’s illness. However, Ramya kept me updated on the donations and the prayers pouring in from kind strangers.

 

We chose to keep our struggles hidden even from our closest family friends, shielding my child from judgment, but it is incredible how strangers stepped up to support us through their contributions. Each donation felt like a warm embrace, providing me with the strength to carry on.

Image used for representation purpose only. 

I informed her school, though initially, they didn’t believe us. However, when I showed them the reports, they understood. I made sure to inform every teacher and the principal to let us know if they noticed any changes in her or if she needed any help. None of her friends knew about her illness. I gave her a mobile phone to use, with instructions to switch it off during class, so she can call us if anything urgent arises. I ensured that she was never left alone, yet she continued to live a normal life. I didn’t want her to experience the fear of cancer, like the sleepless nights I endured.

Honestly, we had no savings left. But I was determined to give my daughter the treatment she deserved. It was then that Ramya started a fundraiser on Milaap, which turned out to be our lifeline during the challenging times, especially with my husband unable to work due to the pandemic.

 

What made it even more challenging was the absence of anyone outside of my immediate family to confide in about my daughter’s illness. However, Ramya kept me updated on the donations and the prayers pouring in from kind strangers.

 

We chose to keep our struggles hidden even from our closest family friends, shielding my child from judgment, but it is incredible how strangers stepped up to support us through their contributions. Each donation felt like a warm embrace, providing me with the strength to carry on.

Image for representation purpose only.

Now, my daughter has turned 16 and is in 12th grade. For the past three years, our focus has been solely on her survival. However, I do have big dreams for her. She has amazing willpower and has witnessed our struggles to make ends meet. Though the journey isn’t easy, she’s coping remarkably well. Even at a young age, she shows great promise, giving me hope for the future. Whenever I discuss our hopes and dreams, she assures me that she’ll achieve them once she starts working. I have no doubt that she’ll fight for her dreams and find a job that she loves.

 

Monthly check-ups are now part of our routine, serving as a constant reminder of the battles we’ve fought together.. Despite it all, I hold onto hope that one day soon, she’ll be back to her normal self. I am committed to supporting her and doing whatever it takes to make her dreams come true. And I’m grateful for the kindness of strangers who became our lifeline in our darkest hours.

Image used for representation purpose only.

Now, my daughter has turned 16 and is in 12th grade. For the past three years, our focus has been solely on her survival. However, I do have big dreams for her. She has amazing willpower and has witnessed our struggles to make ends meet. Though the journey isn’t easy, she’s coping remarkably well. Even at a young age, she shows great promise, giving me hope for the future. Whenever I discuss our hopes and dreams, she assures me that she’ll achieve them once she starts working. I have no doubt that she’ll fight for her dreams and find a job that she loves.

Monthly check-ups are now part of our routine, serving as a constant reminder of the battles we’ve fought together.. Despite it all, I hold onto hope that one day soon, she’ll be back to her normal self. I am committed to supporting her and doing whatever it takes to make her dreams come true. And I’m grateful for the kindness of strangers who became our lifeline in our darkest hours.

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:

Arthi Vendan

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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