Saturday 8 September 2012

Final update 8th Sep 2012


The long fought battle is over. Rishi, our mighty warrior has succumbed to his fatal disease. Cancer sees yet another prey and we lose our most beloved child. It is shaking, it is unbelievable, the end has come.

Since 1 AM, early morning, Rishi's oxygen consumption through the ventilator shot upto to 100% when the doctors realized that the stage has come when only a miracle could save him. His heart was still beating and he was put on stronger dose of medicines to keep the heart at pace. Later in the morning at around 10 AM the medicines also stopped giving results. Rishi was certainly losing it soon. At approximately 2 PM, Rishi was declared dead.

Rishi leaves his father, mother, younger sister to live on with his dreams.
He wished to become a pilot and loved cricket. Full of fun, he kept telling his sister.. "there is nobody than me for you..don't fight with me"

May your soul rest in peace, Rishi!
Do know that you were loved by many.. many who never met you.. but prayed for you.. extended monetary help.. gave time for your recovery and supported you through out your journey.

We thank you all, each one of you, who have worked with us for this cause. Thank you for your unconditional support, lovely hearts. The expenses at the hospital have been covered. We have a corpus remaining which we shall be using for Rishi's family's welfare, loan repayments, and closing out the house mortagage.

Love you tons Rishi!
Sleep well..

Friday 7 September 2012

Latest update 7th Sept 2012

The last 48 hours have been very discouraging. Rishi has not shown as significant an improvement as we all would have liked. The prayers have taken an upswing like never before. The doctors are buzzing around providing 24x7 attention to Rishi without a wink. But Rishi is not responding to medicines at all. His heart rate, blood pressure is normal, sugar levels are relatively lowered, but his poor immune system is failing to take help of medicines and battle the fungal infection. The anti-fungal medicines, GVH medicines are on regular dosage.

Rishi has developed cerebral edema that causes his brain to swell. The symptoms are clear and effects of it are unnerving. Rishi had a cardiac arrest yesterday after which his heart stopped beating for a few seconds. He was revived by CPU. Though stable, Rishi has not regained consciousness. It is very important that he makes out of the COMAtose phase as soon as possible in order to proceed with the further mode of treatment. Rishi is showing signs of white eyes which could indicate that the fungal infection is not in control and is spreading faster than we can fathom. The last CT scan conducted 3 days ago did not show any signs of such infection. Doctors are unable to perform any tests in this state. The surgery performed 5 days ago ensured that the infection was cleaned from his forehead and upper cheekbones areas. But the bad cells intrinsic to Rishi's system, are not being killed. The medicines are not showing any response. In 80% of the cancer cases, these medicines are adminstered under such cases with successful results.

It is shocking to see how a boy, completely fit 15 days ago has his health deteriorated so fast. Rishi spoke to us 15 days ago and placed an order for liver count medicines as he usually does every month on doctor;s prescription. Today, I would love to hear him once again. Open your eyes, Rishi, give that one smile we are all waiting for. Rishi had such a wonderful 1 full year go by with no complaints / complications whatsoever post his bone marrow transplant. Rishi you have fought worse battles in the past.. this one is relatively less demanding.. defeat it Rishi, make it happen, Rishi! Get up! Please!

Our focus has shifted to prayers alone. God is the savior. He needs to give Rishi and his parents more than ample strength to fight this through. We all are with you, Rishi. We are calling out to you! Please please please wake up!

I cannot relate to Rishi's parents who are still putting up a strong heart. They break down the minute they find support. Rishi is family to us, unsaid. We feel the pain as much as his own relatives. The entire Sarafdar family is at the hospital constantly offering help, time and seeking blessings from the almighty for Rishi.

Today, we ask, all of you to keep Rishi in your prayers. Give all your positive energies to this young boy to fight as hard as he can. Pray to the lord that he brings him out of this phase very very soon. And make this his last struggle to fight in his very very long and big life.


Wednesday 5 September 2012

Latest update 5th Sept 2012 (expense summary)


Expenses update as on today:

1. Medical bills for 29th Aug - 5th Sept: Rs. 2,30,000 (click here to see bill for 2 days)
2. Cost of surgery: Rs. 1,20,000 (click here to see estimate)
Actual bill is yet to be procured from hospital, delay apologized
3. Estimated cost of hospitalization until 12th Sept 2012: Rs. 1,50,000 (estimated)
Total: 5,00,000

----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------

Cash available:
1. Rishi's savings from previous donations: Rs. 1,00,000
2. Rishi's father's savings Rs. 50,000
3. Jeevandayi savings from previous disbursement: Rs. 50,000
4. Expected donations as on 2nd Sept 2012: Rs. 28,000
Total: 2,28,000
Deficit: Rs. 2,72,000

----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------

Appeal to All Donors,

Please note that ideally we would like if Rishi's father does not have to touch his savings
He still needs to feed his family of four, and needs money for day to day expenses
Hence we would like if we can generate donations close to Rs. 3,50,000
Also, note that a big component #3 in expenses is only an estimate, this can go up

We encourage all donors to transfer the amount as mentioned on this page
It helps us to keep track of all money coming in and going out and control disbursements

All documents shall be furnished as soon as we procure them

Thank you!

Latest update 5th Sept 2012

Rishi is very slightly better than he was yesterday. His blood counts are all normal now. His heart rate and pressure is also nearly under control. He is not completely conscious yet, though he is responding to simple instructions like - hold my hand , Let go  of my hand-
His sugar levels are still quite high . Insulin is being administered for the same.
Due to the sedation and the dressing on the nose, he could not open his eyes and be fully conscious.
Doctors still don't say he is doing great or fine but they say he is much much better than yesterday and is showing signs of recovery...
His father sounded much better today than he did yesterday when we spoke to him and it was as if he had a renewed sense of energy within him...may god bless them and give them all the strength and courage that is needed to fight this...
We did not have the heart to write that yesterday Rishi was sinking ; but our little warrior is going to fight this and he has an entire army with him, even God cannot refuse.
The doctors are doing the best they can and we are praying our best we can .
Please do keep the prayers on, you can save a life. 

Tuesday 4 September 2012

Latest update 4th Sept 2012

Things are not improving as expected. We are extremely worried. Prayers stepped up.

The whole of yesterday went by absolutely fine, until the evening when the nurse noticed some bleeding through Rishi's nose while changing his post-surgery dressing. She called the doctor later in the night, and he rushed in immediately out of his duty hours. Doctor noticed that Rishi is showing signs of hypertension, increased BP and heart rate. Rishi, though was not in pain. He was moved back to the ICU from the general ward.

The doctor and nurse dressed up Rishi's nose and scheduled a CT scan for 4th morning. The CT scan happened over lunch time. The reports show that there is no internal bleeding. The blood that was seen on 3rd while changing the dressing, was of the unhealed wound from the surgery. Due to high level of sugar count, lower immunity, the wound had not healed within 48 hours. It would need more time.
No internal bleeding, no internal injury. No internal clots.

BUT - the anti-fungal medicines have caused a swelling in the brain. Rishi had a epileptic fit during the course of the CT scan. He is unconscious as in time. Doctors call it COMA.

Monday 3 September 2012

Latest update 3rd Sept 2012

Rishi is moved out of ICU and is under observation in general ward (still quarantined, and kept separately)
Doctors said the second half of Sunday was crucial for Rishi;s recovery, that has passed.
The GVH though still needs to come under control. Rishi has been taking GVH and liver count medicine for over an year now, the same ones continue. Anti-fungal injections are already administered.
Doctors are waiting for more tests to be done to see how Rishi is responding to the same.

The tension has reduced considerably but Rishi is still weak, can not sit straight up for long. Rishi also was under some pain last night and could not sleep well but the nurses' helped promptly to look after him.
Rishi's father and mother have lost into a trance. One thing keeps haunting after the other. At the verge of time when they almost thought that the battle this over, this episode of anti-fungal infection increasing through Rishi's optical nerves and scaringly growing towards the brain challenged everybody's faith and hope once again. Undeterred though, and determined to fight, they seek support from almost every visitor that walks in to meet Rishi. Let they be known that we are all with them.. forever.. always!
There are many many more years to go by..!

Sunday 2 September 2012

Latest update 2nd Sept 2012

Rishi had his first semi-solid meal today morning after 4 days
Still, not able to chew, but able to open eyes vividly, can talk softly
As usual, very curious about medical reports and killing inquisitiveness, his mother had to narrate out the entire 4 day summary to him
His response was a surprised smile :)
In marathi he says.. "evadha sagla jhala chaar divsat?!"
("All of this happened in just last 4 days")
Rishi is in ICU, it is still not known for sure when he will be moved to special room

Letter from doctor - 2nd Sept 2012 (expense estimate = 5 lacs)

Latest update 2nd Sept 2012 (expense summary)

Expenses update as on today:

1. Medical bills for 29th Aug - 2nd Sept: Rs. 1,30,000 (click here to see bill for 2 days)
2. Cost of surgery: Rs. 1,20,000 (click here to see estimate)
Actual bill is yet to be procured from hospital, delay apologized
3. Estimated cost of hospitalization until 10th Sept 2012: Rs. 1,80,000 (estimated)
Total: 4,30,000

----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------

Cash available:
1. Rishi's savings from previous donations: Rs. 1,00,000
2. Rishi's father's savings Rs. 50,000
3. Jeevandayi savings from previous disbursement: Rs. 50,000
4. Expected donations as on 2nd Sept 2012: Rs. 28,000
Total: 2,28,000
Deficit: Rs. 2,02,000

----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------

Appeal to All Donors,

Please note that ideally we would like if Rishi's father does not have to touch his savings
He still needs to feed his family of four, and needs money for day to day expenses
Hence we would like if we can generate donations close to Rs. 3,00,000
Also, note that a big component #3 in expenses is only an estimate, this can go up

We encourage all donors to transfer the amount as mentioned on this page
It helps us to keep track of all money coming in and going out and control disbursements

All documents shall be furnished as soon as we procure them

Thank you!

Saturday 1 September 2012

Latest update 1st Sept 2012 - surgery done

Successful
Lasted for 3 hours
Not conscious yet
Eyes safe
Traces found near upper cheek bones, lower brain, scooped, cleaned
Doctor says nothing to worry, he is more than happy on how the operation has been
Shall post more later in the day

Yesssssss!!! :)

Latest update 1st Sept 2012

Rishi will undergo endoscopy today at 2 PM
The surgery will be performed through the nasal track
It is needed to remove the accumulated debris near the eye and forehead, from within
The swelling has relatively reduced but Rishi is barely able to open the eyes
The eyes still seem to ooze out some white substance making it uncomfortable to open eye lids

Signs of fungal infection near the optical nerves are not obvious
But the doctors are not ruling out the chances of the same
If the doctors notice any spread of the infection near / on the eye, there is a rare possibility that the eye (right) might needed to be removed - but it cannot be said for sure as of now
The consent though has been sought from the parents
We are all hoping and praying that situation does not come even close to this

Just want him & his family to know that he is always in our prayers
Go for it, boy! Do it again..

Doctors have assured us that no medical treatment will stop on the grounds of lack of funds
There shall be no delay on their part to attend to Rishi
Salute! Respect!

Endoscopy expense estimate

All other documents

Expenses update as on today
1. Medical bills for 29th Aug - 1st Sept: Rs. 1,10,000
2. Estimated cost for surgery Rs. 1,15,543
3. Hospitalization until 10th Sept 2012: Rs. 2,00,000 (estimated)

We need to prepare for funds in the order of Rs. 4.5 lacs
We are at a deficit of Rs. 2,50,000

Friday 31 August 2012

Appeal for funds

Dear donors,

Thank you for all your help in the past

We need your support once again

This time the amount is more modest and should be within our reach

Let us, one more time, please, join our hands and open our hearts to reach out to Rishi

All funds can be transferred as instructed here
http://saverishi.blogspot.in/2010/09/details-for-transfering-money.html

We are tied up with Samavedana to avail tax exempt receipts
http://www.samavedana.org/Samavedana/index.html

Do keep him in your prayers, Rishi, his parents have been fighting the battle for over 3 years now

Let us pray to the lord to give them unbeatable strength and bless them amply

Thank you!

Thursday 30 August 2012

Latest update_31st August 2012

Rishi underwent a full upper body CT Scan
The fungal infection is prominent but has not reached the brain
There are no signs of infection on optical tissues as well
There is a minimal sigh of relief

But Rishi's sugar levels are very high
He is on constant insulin supply
That needs to be controlled
Special medication needs to be ordered to act on the fungal infection which will not conflict with low liver count and high sugar levels

Doctor has already spoken to medicine suppliers / vendors / companies through their direct contacts
We will get half of the dosage at minimal costs, very low than MRP
Doctors, as always, will waive off their fees and consulting charges

Rishi has been in ICU since 29th August
Depending on his blood reports today he might be moved to special room
Rishi will be hospitalized for 2 weeks more

Total expenses
1. Medical bills for 29th Aug - 31st Aug: Rs. 68,778
2. Estimated cost for surgery Rs. 1,15,543
3. Hospitalization until 10th Sept 2012 Rs. 2,00,000 (estimated)

We need to prepare for funds in the order of Rs. 4 lacs
We are at a deficit of Rs. 2,00,000

ALL DOCUMENTS CAN BE FOUND HERE

The above estimations could change depending on how Rishi responds to medications and his tenure of hospitalization, updates on the same shall be posted daily

Wednesday 29 August 2012

Latest update 29th August 2012

Rishi's parents observed his face swell abnormally overnight
So much that Rishi is unable to open his eyes
Rishi's father observed that a black mark is developed very close to his left eye
Some sort of thick milky fluid was coming out of Rishi's eyes
Something never seen before even when Rishi was on chemo
They called the doctor and the doctor advised for an immediate checkup
Rishi is now admitted to the hospital

The first meeting of the doctor has shocked all of us
The doctor is worried that this is fungal infection
Any fungal infection is not good and should be controlled by anti-fungal medicines
But we are not sure how Rishi will respond to those medicines, they cannot practice a powerful dosage even
The infection could grow and reach Rishi's brain, possible case of Thrombosis
Permanently damaging any of the optical or brain tissues

VERY CRITICAL

In prayers, we beg to the almighty.. please give more strength to the boy and the family.. its not done yet..
Sairam

Monday 20 August 2012

Latest update 20th August 2012

Rishi was on his usual medical visit to the hospital
The doctor noticed the swelling near Rishi's eyes and a little on the forehead
It did not look worrisome then
Rishi was give a 15 day course for the swelling
It looked like some side effect of the medicines that Rishi takes every day for liver counts
The medication and the transplant has anyway reduced Rishi's immunity
He is more susceptible to most minor of the infections than ordinary human beings
The doctor has advised Rishi to visit hospital again in next 15 days

Friday 15 June 2012

Rishi helps dhobi

Dhobi Venkatesh Jalaneela visits his dhobi ghat frequently
Given the family tradition he has taken on the family dhobi business willingly

About 3 months ago he cut his feet walking over some sharp stones on the dhobi ghat
It seemed regular to him but it bled and he practices some home remedies with some turmeric and cloth bandages
It healed over a period of few weeks until monsoon hit and his feet started to remain more in water than dry
This did not help
His feet started to swell and accumulate water internally
It was still not bothering him, not hurting, he continued his regular day-to-day activities

A few days later when he woke he saw that his feet grew cracks and to his nightmare he was hurting like million ants biting his sole
The feet had developed pus and had swollen more
The swelling had grown his foot size by 3 points that he could not wear a chappal sized 10, note his regular size is 6/7
Dhobi's wife works as domestic maid with one of our Sai Seva teams' member and she happened to mention this case to her
Dhobi had been to local doctor and had been taking some medicines, but it showed no signs of healing
The pain was getting unbearable, soon he turned immobile and could not walk

Dhobi was taken to a bigger hospital and was detected severe eczema
The doctor said, any later, and the foot would have developed gangrene
So much so that it would have led to blood poisoning and possible amputation of the organ

Rishi donated Rs. 15,000 from his accumulated funds
Rishi visited dhobi with his father to the hospital and handed over the sum
Rishi has grown up, he does some things which many of the adults do not think of
Gold bless you Rishi!

The sum of money not only help the minor surgery that the dhobi underwent but it also covered the post surgery expenses and hospitalization expenses

ALL DOCUMENTS CAN BE FOUND HERE

Tuesday 1 May 2012

Latest update 1st May 2012

Rishi has trying to resume his regular schedule
He steps out of the house late in the night when the pollution is minimum
His friend gleefully accompany him and his father to play with him post 10 PM
Rishi enjoys riding his bicycle and loves to study

He hates the fact that his illness is coming in way with his regular schooling days
He is able to attend school very on and off and very rarely
It get tiring to sit along through the day but he tries to catch up on the missed lessons
What more could we ask from brave Rishi, he has appeared for all his semester exams, written ones

Today, Rishi learnt that his school's principal has decided to promote him to 8th standard despite of his poor attendance. In his words, "A boy who scores more than average in his class in all 4 semesters does not deserve to be detained because of lack of attendance. I would be more than happy to make an exception in his case. He will certainly be promoted to next grade purely based on his merit"

All smiles, god bless you Rishi,
Stay the brave fighter than you are,
Sairam

Sunday 25 March 2012

Happy Birthday Rishi!



God Bless you today and forever more :)
Lots and Lots of Love , Luck , Prayers and Wishes from each one of us!!

Thursday 15 March 2012

Rishi's medical schedule

Rishi is required to visit hospital every 15 days for regular checkup
His full body tests will be done once every month
This frequency is now reduced owing to his relatively stable state
The expenses though are regular
We are still able to manage the funds within our reach
His GVHD medicines are still begin continued to improve his liver counts

THANK YOU to ALL OF YOU who helped and contributed