Help bring Palliative Care to Indonesia's children

Farhan* was just like any other 16-year-old, bursting with dreams and enjoying the simple joys of teenage life. Until a few months ago, when his life was turned upside down by an unexpected diagnosis of a rare and aggressive cancer of the muscle tissue, rhabdomyosarcoma. What began as a small pimple-like bump on his face had quickly grown to invade his facial nerves and robbed him of much of his sight. This cruel disease took away not only his vision, it stole the carefree days of adolescence he once knew.

Farhan’s greatest passion was hadrah, a traditional form of Islamic music involving the rhythmic beating of handheld drums while reciting poetry and prayers. It was more than a pastime for him – it was a spiritual and communal bond that brought him immense joy. Hadrah allowed him to express his soul through rhythm, and he found joy in the harmonious unity of the group. But as the tumor grew, affecting his face and vision, Farhan found it increasingly difficult to participate. It felt like a deeply personal loss as if cancer was taking not just his health but also the things that made him feel alive. 

Farhan's Inspiring Courage

Despite the unimaginable challenges, Farhan’s spirit remained strong. He refused to let the illness define him, meeting each day with quiet courage. Farhan’s resilience was met with the unwavering support from his parents, pouring all their love and energy into making his days as comfortable and joyful as possible.

When his oncologist referred Farhan to Rachel House’s home-based palliative care service, it marked a turning point in his journey. The care team, led by Nurse Eka, stepped in not only to manage his pain and monitor his medical condition but to provide the holistic support that Farhan and his family needed. The mass on Farhan’s face was pressing against his airway, threatening shortness of breath, while radiation and chemotherapy brought side effects that required close monitoring. But alongside this medical care, it was the emotional and psychological support that truly made the difference. 

Soothing & Empowering Presence 

For the past two months, Nurse Eka had been a constant presence in Farhan’s life. She was not just a nurse – she became part of the family’s support system. Her focus was on making Farhan’s remaining days as comfortable as possible, teaching his parents how to manage his pain, and offering practical tips to make his daily routine easier. This home-based palliative care ensured that Farhan could remain in the comfort of his own home, surrounded by the people he loved, rather than in a hospital.  

Nurse Eka often emphasized that palliative care is more than just symptom management—it’s about empowering families to care for their loved ones with confidence. With her guidance, Farhan’s parents learned to care for him in a way that preserved his dignity and comfort. The emotional burden of caregiving was lightened by the knowledge that they were doing everything possible to make his days better. 

The impact of home-based palliative care cannot be overstated. Farhan’s family didn’t have to face this journey alone. They were supported, educated, and given the tools to care for their son in the familiarity of their home, where Farhan could still find moments of peace, love, and connection.

Through it all, Farhan continued to smile. Though his body had weakened, his spirit remained unbroken. The love of his family and the compassionate care provided by Nurse Eka allowed him to live his remaining days with grace. The cancer may have taken much from him, but it could never take away his courage.

Farhan’s story is a reminder of the profound difference that home-based palliative care can make for children facing life-threatening illnesses. It’s about more than medical care—it’s about giving families the support they need to ensure their loved ones can live with dignity, surrounded by love.

*Name changed for privacy

This Christmas season, as the world comes together to celebrate love and joy, we are reminded of the children who face unimaginable challenges every day due to serious illnesses. While most children look forward to the holiday magic, some, like Sania*, navigate life with the weight of conditions like HIV, tuberculosis, and other critical diagnoses. 

For children like them, the greatest gift is not found under a tree but in the kindness of hearts that bring comfort, care, and hope. Through our service, we strive to bring light and hope into the lives of children and their families, ensuring that no one feels alone in their journey. 

On this season of giving, your support for Rachel House’s home-based palliative care service will bring miracles to children like Sania —reminding them that even in their toughest moments, there is a community that loves and cares for them. Together, we can light up their lives and bring them comfort and care when they need it most. Donate today to make this Christmas truly meaningful.

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When Sania was diagnosed with HIV at just 12 years old, her bright and carefree world shifted overnight. Once a cheerful and ambitious student, she soon faced an unexpected and gruelling challenge, meningitis. The infection, compounded by her HIV diagnosis and subsequent tuberculosis, made her condition incredibly complex. By February 2024, her health struggles had become so overwhelming that her doctor referred her to Rachel House. It was here that a new chapter of care and support began, not only for Sania, but also for her mother, who had long borne the weight of caregiving alone.

Rachel House’s dedicated team stepped in to provide palliative care Sania so desperately needed, focusing on her comfort and quality of life. They monitored her treatments for HIV, meningitis, and tuberculosis, vigilantly watching for signs of infection and changes in her consciousness. The team's attention extended far beyond medical care; they helped empower Sania’s family with the skills and confidence to provide care at home, creating a lifeline of hope for her mother.

For Sania, home has always been a sanctuary of love and warmth, a place she feels safest. Despite her limited movement and speech challenges due to aphasia, she continues to attend school online, determined to stay connected with the outside world. By her side, at every step of the way, is her mother - her advocate, her voice and her unwavering pillar of strength. With the guidance and support of Rachel House, Sania’s mother has developed the confidence to provide the best care for her daughter - ability to prevent infections and address the concerns of TB transmission. This support has helped her reclaim a sense of control, a far cry from the isolation and uncertainty she once felt.

While Sania's health has seen small improvements in recent months, her mother’s resilience has grown immeasurably. Rachel House has been instrumental in lightening the family’s burden, providing grocery support, transportation to appointments, and essential supplies to ease financial strain. For Sania’s mother, these tangible acts of kindness have been matched by the emotional support she receives during Nurse Dadan’s weekly visits.

“Before Rachel House, I felt so lost and alone,” she once confided. Now, she speaks with a renewed sense of hope, knowing she is not alone in this journey, reassured that there are kind souls who genuinely care.

Sania’s story is a powerful testament to the holistic and profound impact of a home-based palliative care service. It shows how this compassionate approach goes beyond treating the illness, embracing the family as a whole. Through medical expertise, family education, and a nurturing community,  Rachel House is helping Sania and her mother navigate the complexities of serious illness with strength, dignity and a sense of connection. In the face of life’s greatest challenges, palliative care has brought them hope – and the knowledge that they don’t have to walk this path alone.

*Name changed due to privacy