MILAAP SUCCESS STORY · CRITICAL ILLNESS RECOVERY
Two Years On: A Family’s Long Fight for Anusha’s Recovery
When Anusha’s illness became critical last year, her family feared they might lose her. She was placed on a ventilator, lost consciousness for days, and even survived an unexpected setback the night before she was due to come home. Today, nearly two years on, Anusha is still fighting — cared for at home on oxygen and BiPAP support, with her family holding on to hope.
₹9Lakh
Hospital bill for just six to seven days during her most critical relapse
1.5–2 Years
Time Anusha has been cared for at home on oxygen and BiPAP support
Still Hoping
For more progress, as her family continues her care
A critical decline, then a fight to survive
When Anusha’s illness became critical last year, her family feared they might lose her. Her condition had already been complicated for a long time, but last year she deteriorated severely and required intensive medical care. Doctors told the family that her chances of survival were extremely low, and for those caring for her, every day became a struggle between fear and hope.
The most difficult phase came when Anusha had to be placed on a ventilator. She remained unconscious for around four to five days, unaware of her family visiting her or of what was happening around her. Watching her lie unconscious and surrounded by medical equipment was one of the hardest experiences her family had ever faced. They could only wait, pray and hope that she would regain consciousness
“Watching her lie unconscious and surrounded by medical equipment was one of the hardest experiences we have ever faced. We could only wait, pray and hope that she would regain consciousness.”
— Anusha’s Family
A setback on the eve of coming home
After she initially improved, the family thought they were finally moving towards bringing her home. She regained consciousness and was able to sit up, eat and have breakfast. The doctors even suggested that she could be discharged. Her family requested that she first be moved from the ICU to the general ward for a day before going home.
However, that evening, an unexpected medical incident changed everything again. According to her family, after a nurse administered an injection, Anusha suddenly lost consciousness and suffered a seizure. She had to be placed back on a ventilator and remained unconscious for another three days. Her family says they raised a complaint about what happened, but they did not receive the response they had hoped for. The hospital bills had already crossed ₹9 lakh for around six to seven days of treatment, making the situation even more difficult for them.
Mortgaging everything, then finding Milaap
What had initially seemed like a manageable medical expense quickly became impossible to afford. Before this setback, the family had somehow managed to pay for her treatment themselves. They had mortgaged jewellery and even sold a property to meet medical expenses. But as Anusha’s condition became more complicated and the costs continued to rise, they realised they could no longer manage the treatment on their own.
Milaap became an important source of support during this period. Anusha’s sister-in-law, Sakshi, who works at Microsoft and had previously created a fundraiser for a colleague, knew about Milaap and helped create the campaign. As people came forward to support Anusha, the family was able to manage some of the overwhelming hospital expenses. Support also came from donors overseas, and the family says the contributions helped them clear their hospital bills at a time when they had exhausted much of what they could arrange themselves.
“We were overwhelmed and extremely thankful to everyone who contributed. Even after the campaign was closed, Milaap restarted it on multiple occasions, allowing additional support to reach us when we still needed it.”
— Anusha’s Family
Where Anusha is today
Today, Anusha is no longer in the hospital. She has been living at home with oxygen support, a BiPAP machine and regular medication. Her family has maintained this medical setup at home for around one and a half to two years, as managing the same level of care in a hospital would be extremely difficult financially and practically. She continues to have regular check-ups and monthly doctor visits.
There has been some improvement, but her recovery has been limited. Her family says there have not been any major changes in her condition, although she is doing slightly better than before. Her care still costs around ₹30,000–₹40,000 every month, adding a continuing financial burden to the family. They have also tried to obtain health insurance twice, but have been unable to secure coverage because of the nature of her illness.
Despite the uncertainty, her family remains committed to caring for her. Their message to other families facing a similar medical crisis is clear: don’t hesitate to seek help, and consider reaching out to Milaap. Anusha’s recovery is still ongoing — she continues to need oxygen, BiPAP support, medication and regular medical supervision at home. While the family may not yet have the recovery they had hoped for, the support they received has helped them continue caring for her and holding on to hope.
Facing the ongoing cost of long-term home care?
Oxygen support, BiPAP machines, medication and monthly monitoring can add up to a lasting financial burden, especially when insurance isn’t an option. We help families reach a wider circle of support so care doesn’t have to stop.
Frequently asked questions
Why might a patient be denied health insurance after a critical illness?
Insurers often decline or limit coverage for a pre-existing or ongoing serious illness, especially one that requires continuous treatment like oxygen or BiPAP support. This leaves many families paying for long-term care entirely out of pocket, as happened with Anusha’s family after two failed attempts to secure coverage.
What is BiPAP support, and why do some patients need it long-term?
BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) is a non-invasive breathing support machine that helps patients who have difficulty breathing on their own, often due to lung or neurological complications. Some patients need it for an extended period, sometimes years, especially after a severe critical illness that left lasting effects on their breathing.
How much does long-term home-based critical care cost in India?
Costs vary depending on the equipment and medication needed, but ongoing oxygen support, BiPAP machines, medicines and monthly check-ups can cost tens of thousands of rupees every month. Anusha’s family spends around ₹30,000–₹40,000 a month to maintain her care at home.
How do I start a fundraiser for a long-term or critical illness?
You typically need a diagnosis report, a treatment cost estimate, and identity proof for the patient or the person raising funds on their behalf. Our team helps applicants gather and verify these documents before the fundraiser goes live, and can also help reopen a campaign if a family’s needs continue.
Story shared with permission · Written by Milaap
Need help raising funds for Medical Treatment ?
Start a fundraiser