6-year-old Noor from Kolkata is currently undergoing treatment for Pre B-Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia at NRS Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata. This story is an inspiration for families who are dealing with the havoc a cancer diagnosis causes. The shock and logistical hassles of finding the right hospital and medical treatment can take a toll on the strongest of families.

In Noor’s case, things were more precarious because he comes from a very low-income family. Hafiza, Noor’s mother, explains, “My husband works as a labourer on a contractual basis. There is never enough in the house. When Noor was diagnosed with cancer, the local doctors suspected Covid. Then we went to senior doctors in our area who eventually detected the leukaemia. We were very heartbroken and confused. At first, no bed was vacant at NRS hospital, but we finally secured a bed for Noor, and his treatment began. We feel safe here.”

At the time of admission, Noor was mildly thin, then his condition deteriorated, and he became severely thin. The hospital diet, along with supplements, made him stronger.

However, he suddenly developed respiratory distress and thrombocytopenia. During this condition the patient should not be fed orally. As a result, Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) was initiated. TPN is a method of feeding through which we can provide the complete daily requirements of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, intravenously.

This period was extremely tough on Noor, but Koel ensured that he received his daily nourishment through TPN. Providing nutrition through TPN requires a high level of technical know-how and constant monitoring of the patient. As much as it is complicated, it is life-saving and very useful when the digestive tract has to be bypassed in certain conditions. At Cuddles Foundation, we invest in upskilling our nutritionists in complicated and technical procedures that can be useful in emergencies like this.

Now Noor is doing well and is on the Cuddles Supplements, Ration, Hot meals, and In-meals programs. Koeyl, our nutritionist at NRS Kolkata, adds, “ I am very happy with the progress Noor has made from last year when he was admitted. He is responding to the treatment, is nutritionally sound and his mother is also very cooperative. She is sincere about Noor’s treatment and is very involved in the treatment. We share an emotional bond.”

These heartening stories make our journey to curing childhood cancer in India very satisfying, and we can’t thank you enough for your support.