Written by:
Arthi T
The journey to a child’s health is often fraught with challenges, the most daunting of which can be the overwhelming financial burden. The soaring costs of pediatric care have put immense pressure on families, making it difficult to provide the necessary treatment for their children. This is where crowdfunding platforms like Milaap emerge as beacons of hope. By harnessing the power of collective generosity, Milaap empowers families to overcome financial hurdles and give their children a fighting chance.
Understanding children's healthcare costs
The escalating costs of children’s healthcare have become a pressing concern. From routine check-ups to complex surgeries, the expenses can be astronomical. Common childhood illnesses like cancer, heart diseases, and rare genetic disorders often require prolonged and intensive treatment, putting an immense strain on families’ finances. The emotional and financial toll can be devastating, leaving parents grappling with difficult choices.
Milaap: A beacon of hope
Milaap was founded in 2010 with the mission to make it easier for people to raise funds for personal and social causes. The platform has since grown to become India’s largest crowdfunding site, with over 250,000 campaigns and more than Rs. 1000 crore raised.
It provides a user-friendly interface that allows individuals and organizations to create fundraising campaigns to raise funds for various causes, including children’s healthcare. With its robust features, Milaap makes it easy for families to share their stories, connect with potential donors, and transparently track the progress of their campaigns.
One of the key strengths of Milaap is its stringent verification process. The platform ensures that every campaign undergoes a thorough evaluation to maintain the integrity of the platform and protect donors. This commitment to transparency and accountability has earned Milaap the trust of millions of users.
Need help covering treatment costs for your child?
Inspiring stories of success
The power of crowdfunding is evident in the countless success stories that have emerged from Milaap. Children battling life-threatening illnesses have received the necessary treatment thanks to the generosity of strangers who came together to support their cause
Avishi's battle with MPS Type VI
Avishi was diagnosed with MPS Type VI, a rare and life-threatening genetic disorder. Her parents faced the daunting challenge of raising Rs. 1.94 crores to move her to the Netherlands for treatment, as there were no medical centers in India equipped to handle her condition. Desperate and running out of options, they turned to Milaap.
Through the platform, Avishi’s story reached thousands of compassionate individuals who came forward to help. The campaign raised over Rs. 1.4 crores from 1,845 supporters. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity and support, Avishi was able to receive the treatment she desperately needed. Today, she is on the path to recovery, with her body now producing the crucial enzyme it was missing. Avishi’s parents express their heartfelt gratitude, saying, “Milaap gave our daughter a second chance at life. We will forever be thankful.”
Sasi Kumar's son and Ewing's Sarcoma
P Sasi Kumar’s 6-year-old son was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. The family was devastated and unsure of how to afford the expensive proton therapy required for his treatment. Turning to Milaap, they shared their son’s story and their urgent need for financial help.
The response was nothing short of miraculous. Within a short period, the campaign raised over Rs. 60 lakhs from 6,336 supporters. The treatment at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre was successful, and Sasi Kumar’s son is now on the road to recovery. “We are overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers. Milaap not only helped us financially but also restored our faith in humanity,” Sasi Kumar shared.
Manraj's fight against Glaucoma and Neurofibroma
Manraj had been suffering from glaucoma since birth and had already lost his right eye. When he developed a plexiform neurofibroma that required urgent surgery to save his remaining eyesight, his family was at a loss for how to cover the medical expenses.
Milaap became their lifeline. The campaign, which raised Rs. 1.76 lakhs from 80 supporters, enabled Manraj to undergo the necessary surgery. His eyesight was saved, and his quality of life improved significantly. “Milaap and its supporters gave us hope when we had none. We are deeply thankful,” said Manraj’s mother.
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Sandeep Kumar's daughter and Dursun Syndrome
Sandeep Kumar Jaiwal faced every parent’s worst nightmare when his 18-month-old daughter was diagnosed with Dursun Syndrome, a rare condition requiring a bone marrow transplant. The cost of the procedure was beyond their means, and they felt helpless.
Through Milaap, they launched a campaign detailing their daughter’s condition and the urgent need for funds. The campaign resonated with many, and they raised Rs. 34 lakhs from 1,361 supporters. The bone marrow transplant was successful, and Sandeep Kumar’s daughter is now healthy. “Milaap was a beacon of hope in our darkest hours. We are eternally grateful to everyone who supported us,” Sandeep Kumar expressed.
These stories are not just about numbers; they are about lives transformed, hopes rekindled, and dreams realized.
The ripple effect of kindness
Every donation on Milaap is a ripple that extends far beyond the immediate impact. It’s an investment in a child’s future, a beacon of hope for their family, and a catalyst for positive change in the community. When children receive the necessary medical care, they grow into healthy, productive individuals, contributing to a brighter future for all.
Starting a crowdfunding campaign on Milaap
How to create a campaign
Sign up: Create an account on Milaap’s website.
Start a campaign: Click on ‘Start a Fundraiser’ and select the category that best describes your cause.
Tell your story: Write a compelling story about your child’s medical condition, the treatment required, and why you need financial help. Include clear and emotive photos or videos to illustrate your story.
Set a goal: Determine the amount of money you need to raise. Be realistic and specific about how the funds will be used.
Share your campaign: Once your campaign is live, share it widely on social media, email, and through personal networks to reach potential donors.
Need help covering treatment costs for your child?
Strategies for successful fundraising
To maximize your fundraising efforts:
Promote on social media: Regularly update your campaign on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Use hashtags and encourage shares.
Engage with donors: Respond to donor queries and thank them personally. Updates on the child’s progress can keep donors engaged.
Transparency: Be clear about how funds are being used. Regular updates and receipts can build trust.
Realistic goals: Setting achievable milestones can motivate donors to contribute.
We encourage you to visit Milaap, explore ongoing campaigns, and contribute to giving kids a fighting chance. Every contribution, no matter how small, can help save a child’s life.
If you pr someone you know needs help funding a child’s medical treatment, start a fundraiser on Milaap today!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Success stories on Milaap
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.
