By Ajith Nallari | Project Leader
Project Name : Run a 70-bed child cancer ward in India
Project ID : 19108
IMPACT Project Report for September to November 2015
Story of Shiva :
Name : Shiva
Age : 13 Years
Diagnosis : Blood Cancer ( ALL )
Address : Peddapuram, East Godavari
Family History:
Shiva is a thirteen year old boy hailing from East Godavari district. His father pulls a rickshaw and his mother works as a daily wage laborer to make both ends meet.
He has two siblings, one sister who is married and one brother studying in tenth class. Shiva is youngest of the three. He is currently studying in seventh class.
Medical History:
It all started with an eye infection for which Shiva’s parents took him to a local private hospital. After checking his eye, doctor prescribed few medicines and there seemed to be some improvement initially but few days later the infection and pain resurfaced.
To seek a second opinion, Shiva’s parents took him to another private hospital and consulted a doctor there. He was prescribed another set of medicines and even that did not work unfortunately. It is already six month since the pain started and Shiva continues to suffer with pain.
Leaving no stone unturned, Shiva’s parents took him to another hospital where they in turn referred him to a well equipped hospital in the town - Kakinada Private Hospital, where doctors suggested thorough investigations like CBP, LFT, RFT and X-Ray. Doctors then studied the reports from investigations and referred Shiva to MNJ Cancer Hospital in Hyderabad suspecting of cancer. Shiva’s parents did not waste any time and immediately headed to Hyderabad to admit him at MNJ Cancer Hospital.
In MNJ Cancer Hospital, medical oncologist saw the child and prescribed few more investigations including CBP, LFT, RFT, Blood grouping & Bone marrow etc. Paediatric oncologist then studied the reports from investigations and finally confirmed that the child has blood cancer (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia - ALL).
Upon confirmation of diagnosis, Shiva was admitted to IMPACT paediatric oncology ward and has been assigned to an IMPACT Counsellor.
IMPACT Counsellor firstly explained about child’s condition to his Parents. The Counsellor also explained the treatment process and protocol to the patient. After which a group therapy was conducted for the child and also for his companions. Shiva was made to understand the treatment plan and the duration. He had a lot of questions on his condition and Cancer. But after the group therapy he came to grips with the situation and also realized he is not alone his fight against cancer and that there are many other children fighting this disease.
Psycho-Social Issues:
When Shiva first came to MNJ hospital, his condition had deteriorated quite a bit and his parents were both physically and mentally exhausted and also financially depleted from medical treatment costs.
Shiva’s parents were in a shock when they were told about cancer and could not grapple with the harsh reality of cancer. They had a lot of apprehensions about the cancer and how their child would cope with the treatment.
Shiva says IMPACT counsellors Mrs. Sunitha & Mr. Meghnath were of great support in a completely new place and unfamiliar environment and made him feel comfortable.
Having understood the tribulations of the patient and his parents with regards to the costs of treatment and considering their financial background, IMPACT assured the family financial support for purchase of Blood Product and Nutrition.
Many a times Shiva slipped into deep sorrow, thinking about the disease and the risks/uncertainties associated with Cancer, but IMPACT counsellors empathized with him and helped him to overcome his fear by involving him various activities actives like drawing/painting and making him play with other children in the play room.
Shiva said the most painful moment of the treatment was at the time of bone marrow. But he said he will always remember the support he got from IMPACT staff and also emotional support from parents of other patients in the ward, especially parents of Rishi and Fazal .
Now Shiva is under treatment and his health condition is stable.
Future Plans of Shiva :
Shiva wants to go back to school and his parents want to see him in good health. During the course of counselling him and interactions with him, IMPACT counsellors have learnt about his aspirations and interest in computers, communication in English and also dancing.
IMPACT staff along with volunteers is trying to develop these interests in him while he is undergoing treatment and IMPACT is trying its level best to cure him completely over a period of time so that he can go back to school and pursue his dreams.
Quarterly Status Report :
During the period of Sept 2015 to Nov 2015 , a total of 1220 children have been treated for cancer .
Out of which, 120 children were in-patients in the IMPACT ward.
Brief summary of activities
53 children benefited from our Transport Support
3 camps were conducted, one in the month of Sept and two in the month of Oct 2015.
3. Blood Products Support
Totally 472 children got benefited with FREE BLOOD.
4. Hygiene Program / Support
5. Medication
Medicines were procured and administered to several needy children
6. Volunteering Activitie
Events during the Quarter:
(Please see the attached pdf for pictures of events/activities )
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