A desperate plea for help has been issued by the mother of three-year-old Vihaana, who is battling severe aplastic anaemia in India.
Diagnosed in March, Vihaana has undergone two bone marrow transplants, multiple blood transfusions, and is now fighting pneumonia in the paediatric ICU.
Her mother, Madhvi Poonam, who is also a doctor, explained to fijivillage that Vihaana’s immune system is severely compromised following the transplants, leaving her prone to life-threatening infections despite strict precautions. The latest challenge has been managing a complication called TA-TMA (Transplant-associated Thrombotic Microangiopathy), a condition causing blood clots and low platelet counts.
The family’s financial burden is overwhelming, as Vihaana requires a costly medication, Eculizumab, which is not produced in India and costs a minimum of US$2,500 per weekly dose. With recent complications, doctors have doubled her dosage to twice a week. In addition, Vihaana needs weekly platelet transfusions, further adding to the mounting medical expenses.
Madhvi says the family has exhausted their savings after nine months in India and is struggling to fund ongoing treatments and settle hospital bills.
“We are doing everything we can, but we need help to secure her medications and ensure she has a fighting chance.”
The family is also liaising with doctors to determine when Vihaana might be stable enough to return to Fiji before the harsh Indian winter worsens her condition. However, the urgent need for funds to continue her treatment remains critical.
Earlier this year, the family launched a GoFundMe campaign, Little Vihaana Needs Your Help to Fight for Her Life, and Madhvi expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who have contributed so far.
“Your support has helped us cover ICU costs and vital transfusions, but we need help to get through the next months and bring her home.”
To support Vihaana’s fight, visit the GoFundMe page and give her a chance at life.
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