September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month. Did you know, approximately 58% of children in India are found to be undernourished at the time of diagnosis. What’s more is that 65% of children undergoing treatment for cancer are found to be eating LESS THAN HALF of the calorie and protein they need each day. Appetite suppression, vomiting, nausea, and other side effects of cancer treatments can significantly hamper a child’s ability to meet their calorie needs. Such inadequate nutrition can lead to reduced tolerance to treatment, heightened risk of infections, and compromised growth & development underscoring the critical need for targeted nutritional support in paediatric oncology.

The good news – Making parents aware of the role that nutrition plays in their child’s winning outcome, and making generous hearts like yourselves aware that you can help feed and heal them is a big part of our work every day. And together we make hope for kids like Tanvi possible.

4 year old Tanvi is currently in treatment for Neuroblastoma. She and her family made their way across the country from Bhubaneshwar to Mumbai for help. Tanvi is a recipient of our Rations, Supplements & In-meals. Her nutritionist Jahnavi gives insight into what a difficult treatment journey Tanvi has had. She also sheds light on how the different types of nutrition support you enable for patients like Tanvi helps them overcome unforeseen medical challenges.

During her cancer treatment journey, Tanvi developed arterial bleeding for which she underwent a procedure. However, despite this her challenges continued as she then developed a blockage in her intestines. This caused severe nausea and vomiting, which made it very difficult for her to eat. Already severely malnourished, Jahnavi had to make sure that Tanvi did not lose any more weight during this tough time. She made sure Tanvi received Total Parenteral Nutrition through IV since she couldn’t eat, staying constantly watchful of her. After surgery to fix the blockage, Tanvi could eat again. With the special meal plan that Jahnavi has designed for her, her nutrition has improved to moderate malnutrition. We are continuing to support her as she progresses on her treatment journey.

Tanvi’s father Santosh, a small business owner, who had to leave his business behind during the course of her treatment, shares his gratitude –

“I am so thankful for all your help. It has been very scary for us over the past few months. We can’t understand a lot of things about cancer. But Jahnavi’s support has helped us stay strong. I would have never known about the importance of the right kind of food during cancer treatment if Jahnavi had not explained it to me. I trust her completely to advise us. It is a huge blessing to receive the rations and supplements. Because I know that someone who cares is providing us with the right food that will help my daughter get stronger.”

Jahnavi says she enjoys the bond she shares with Tanvi –

“Tanvi loves to chat with me. She’s only 4 years old, but is actually a huge foodie and we often talk about all the food her mother makes that she enjoys and misses. Another moment of satisfaction was when I could see the joy on her father’s face when I told him about her weight gain. Tanvi wants to grow up to be a doctor. I want to help her complete her treatment and take her first step towards the first year of school.”

They say that awareness is the first step to change. Share this story with at least one person you know so that they can also be aware of how a simple yet generous act like supporting nutrition can be a life-changing experience for children like Tanvi.