Two Children With Leukaemia Appeal For Help
Gafoor with his sick daughter Photo by Asoka Fernando
By Risidra Mendis
S.A. Gafoor and his wife Fathima were the proud parents of four lovely children, and like all other parents all they wanted was to educate their children. Gafoor is a trishaw driver, and managed to earn a living for his wife and children.
However Gafoor and Fathima were shocked when two of their daughters Fathima Sameera 14 years, and Fathima Rikasa nine years were diagnosed with leukaemia. “When I took my two daughters to the doctor he recommended that I take them to Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre in India for treatment. Medical Director, Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre in India, Dr V.N. Rajasekaran says that Rikasa needs surgical intervention followed by blood transfusion,” Gafoor said.
Gafoor added that Fathima became ill when she found out that her two precious daughters were diagnosed with leukaemia. “She had diabetes and we didn’t know because our attention was focused on the two children. My wife’s medical condition worsened as she watched her children suffer,” Gafoor said.
The trauma of watching her two daughters suffer soon took its toll on Fathima and she suffered a heart attack and passed away five months ago. “I never expected my wife to pass away so soon. I have to now look after four children on my own and earn a living as well. When my eldest daughter returns home I leave for work in the afternoon. Despite my problems I have to spend Rs. 1500 per day on medicine for my two daughters,” Gafoor explained.
The Presidential Secretariat has offered Rs. 125,000 each for the medical expenses of Sameera and Rikasa. The doctors in India say Rs. 2.5 million is needed for the surgery, medicine and the blood transfusion after surgery. “With my poor earnings I cannot find the money to take my children to India. I have got the ticket to take my two daughters to India. I have to leave on October 30. But I still haven’t collected enough money to take my children for the surgery. I appeal to any kind donors to help me financially to save my children from this terrible disease. S. A. Gafoor resides at 66/F St. Joseph Street, Colombo 14.
