Review – 2017 Test cricket recap – The Cricket Cauldron

  Test cricket more than held its own in 2017, despite the ever-growing domestic T20 scene around the world, not to mention the arrival of an even more watered-down version of ‘cricket’ in the form of T10. Though the year featured a successful Champions Trophy with an unlikely winner, it was Test cricket that provided [ ]
http://bit.ly/2Enj9pb

My Wife Is My Everything And The Thought Of Losing Her To Blood Cancer Is Too Much To Bear

I am 58-year-old Aslam Khan, husband of 51-year-old Shahnaj Khan. Eight months back, my wife was diagnosed with blood cancer and our life hasn't been the same ever since. My wife is struggling every day and I cannot do anything to ease her pain and have to remain a helpless spectator.We have been by each other's side all our lives, and the knowledge that her sickness might take her away from me is too much to bear. I can give my life to save my wife but even that won't be enough. She needs to complete her treatment and I am struggling to save her.The diagnosis that changed everythingIn July 2017, Shahnaj suddenly became extremely sick. Her throat closed up and she started shivering violently. Scared to see her like this, I called up my daughters and we rushed her to the hospital. She was admitted for treatment and multiple tests. Those few hours were the longest I've waited.The results of her bone-marrow test changed the course of our lives. Shahnaj had blood cancer and doctors asked
http://bit.ly/2pZFtSu

Shobha's Newborn Was Born Prematurely And Is Now Fighting A Battle To Survival

"We are waiting to bring him home, cradle him in our arms and call him by his name. Our baby is brave, and I am positive that he will come out of this ordeal. We just have to help him a little," says Shobha. Shobha and her husband had a baby last month, but what should have been a joyous occasion, soon turned into a nightmare. The baby was born prematurely and had to be immediately shifted to the NICU because he couldn't breathe. Belonging to a weak financial background, the couple is struggling to arrange for the funds required to save their newborn alive."He is so tiny and already fighting such a big battle"Shobha was few days shy of completing 8-months pf pregnancy when she had to get an emergency C-section to protect her newborn. The blood flow through her umbilical cord had reversed, thereby putting the life of her yet-to-be-born baby in serious jeopardy. Though the C-section was successful, her baby was immediately shifted to the NICU and is fighting for his life. As of now, h
http://bit.ly/2pZFq9g

This 1-Month-Old Baby, Born After 14 Years Of Marriage, Is Fighting To Survive In The ICU

After 14 years of marriage, Ramabujhan and Neelam’s dream of having a baby finally came true on 2nd November. They named him Ankush. A few days after birth, Ankush had a fever. On 20th December, baby Ankush was rushed to the hospital after he developed an infection and couldn’t breathe anymore. He has been in the ICU on ventilator support ever since. His condition is gradually improving, but he needs to stay in ICU care for the next 10 days to get better.Baby Ankush has only known pain since birthRamabujhan had never expected life to take such a tragic turn for his little baby. Baby Ankush started falling sick just a few days after he was born. He was given medication, and the worried parents then thought their baby would get some relief.“We gave him his medicine and put him to sleep like always, but he didn't wake up after that. He didn’t open his eyes, he had stopped breathing and didn’t move a muscle. In that moment, we were sure we lost him. I panicked and called the doc
http://bit.ly/2pK0pN3

13-Year-Old Likith Nearly Lost His Leg To Bone Cancer, And Now Might Lose His Life Without Treatment

“Likith is very scared of all the needles and injections. Every day he asks me when the pain will end, but I don’t have an answer. I’ve seen my son suffer so much because of cancer in these past few months and there seems to be no respite for his pain,” says Likith's father, Somashekar.13-year-old Likith has been in extreme pain because of a tumour in his left knee. He underwent chemotherapy and surgery, after which his condition began to improve. However, ever since his diagnosis, Likith has had countless sleepless nights. The pain of cancer and the fear of losing his life keeps him up at night. Likith’s only hope is to complete his chemotherapy treatment. He needs 3 more cycles to get better again.The diagnosis that changed his life overnightSix months ago, Likith came home complaining of pain in his left knee. He enjoyed playing football in school and would sometimes come home with a bruised knee or scratches on his legs. His father, Somashekar, thought it was one of tho
http://bit.ly/2DVJV7C

This Milkman's Son Is Fighting A Deadly Disease That Causes His Body To Stop Making Blood

His two cows are Mahadevappa's primary sources of income. His small farm in the village is arid and brings income only when it rains. As if to add to his pain, Mahadevappa's 9-year-old son, Manoj, has a terrible medical condition, where his body is barely producing blood. The family's quiet, peaceful life is gone forever and they are struggling to save Manoj.Manoj with his mother Jyothi at the hospitalManoj's condition was not caught till it became worseLast month, Manoj had a fever and kept complaining that he felt tired. The local doctor gave him some medicines for the fever – but Manoj still felt tired. Mahadevappa decided to take Manoj to Mysore, the nearest city for better treatment.At Mysore, Mahadevappa was told that Manoj's blood-cell count was dangerously low. He received an immediate blood transfusion. But that was only a temporary solution. The family was asked to come to Bangalore for further tests and treatment.Mahesh and Jyothi are now at her brother's houseIn Banga
http://bit.ly/2DVJQRm

Specials – An International XI of Steves – The Cricket Cauldron

  Though December 26 is annually celebrated as Boxing Day, it also marks Saint Stephen’s Day, or the Feast of Saint Stephen, who is traditionally venerated as the first martyr of Christianity. While not as common a name as George, Mohammad or David, international cricket has seen its fair share of Steves, be it derived [ ]
http://bit.ly/2DTSQGW

This Daily-Wage-Worker Is A Single Mother Struggling to Save Her 8-Year-Old Son From Cancer

“I can’t leave him alone for even a minute because he starts crying. He needs constant care and attention. He’s in so much pain all the time and he gets anxious if I’m not around. He used to be so active. Cancer has taken away everything from him," says Lakshmi, Prajwal's mother.Prajwal was taken to the doctor when his mother felt a lump in his throat earlier this year. The 8-year-old was diagnosed with a rare cancer of the connective tissue. Lakshmi never imagined her son’s life would completely change overnight. Prajwal started chemotherapy in July and even underwent surgery and even radiation. He is slowly recuperating now but needs 11 more cycles of chemotherapy over the next 6 months for a chance at a full recovery.His mother is the only one he hasPrajwal was only 9-months-old when his father passed away. Since then, Lakshmi has single-handedly taken care of Prajwal and his older brother (9). Lakshmi works as a construction worker in their hometown of Bhadravati, Karnat
http://bit.ly/2DVONKc

2-Year-Old Tanishq Has Cancer And Needs Urgent Help To Survive

Tanishq is a 2-year-old fighting blood cancer. Because of the harsh treatment and compromised immunity, he has developed a sepsis in his hand. Since treatment started, he has become very quiet. It is hard for his parents to watch him go through so much pain this early in life. Harder still is the prospect of losing Tanishq because they can't afford treatment.Tanishq with his father Sumit at the hospital“Why is this small, innocent child going through so much pain”Tanishq was diagnosed with cancer only last month. In just that much a lot has changed for this previously happy family. Because he is so young, his immunity is weak and he finds it hard to ward off the perils of his cancer treatment.“He had been looking very pale for the last five months. The doctor did some blood tests and told us he was severely anemic. He had blood transfusions and in a week the results came in and we learnt that he has cancer. It was such a shock for us. No one in my family has ever had it and Tan
http://bit.ly/2DRqcpy

This Uber Driver Needs Urgent Help To Save His Son From Succumbing To Kidney Failure

14-year-old Roshan is the topper of his class. He is a part of the National Cadet Corps and till recently was in good health. In just one month, his condition suddenly worsened and the doctors found that both his kidneys had failed. He needs an urgent kidney transplant. His father has taken on an extra job to earn more and fund Roshan's treatment but it is not enough.It took Joseph sometime before he accepted that his son had a major organ failureRoshan did not know what was wrong with him till a painful dialysisLast month, on November 17, Roshan's eyes were swollen. Roshan was a healthy, growing boy and his parents thought he had just not slept enough. By next morning, his entire face was swollen and he had a piercing stomach ache. His parents panicked and took him to the hospital. At the hospital, his parents Joseph and Mary were told that their son had kidney disease. The next few days, Roshan spent at the hospital – but his condition only worsened. The toxicity in his blood
http://bit.ly/2DRNYC6

2-year-old Tanishq's Cancer Has Caused Sepsis And He Needs Treatment To Survive Infections

Tanishq is a 2-year-old fighting blood cancer. Because of the harsh treatment and compromised immunity, he has developed a sepsis in his hand. Since treatment started, he has become very quiet. It is hard for his parents to watch him go through so much pain this early in life. Harder still is the prospect of losing Tanishq because they can't afford treatment.Tanishq with his father Sumit at the hospital“Why is this small, innocent child going through so much pain”Tanishq was diagnosed with cancer only last month. In just that much a lot has changed for this previously happy family. Because he is so young, his immunity is weak and he finds it hard to ward off the perils of his cancer treatment.“He had been looking very pale for the last five months. The doctor did some blood tests and told us he was severely anemic. He had blood transfusions and in a week the results came in and we learnt that he has cancer. It was such a shock for us. No one in my family has ever had it and Tan
http://bit.ly/2DRqcpy

Specials – The closest World Cup final – The Cricket Cauldron

  The 2017 Women’s World Cup final at Lord’s was unquestionably a nail-biter, but it comes second-best when it comes to the most exciting World Cup title matches. The final of the 2000 edition was the closest final of any World Cup, men’s or women’s, and was fittingly contested between Trans-Tasman rivals Australia, the defending [ ]
http://bit.ly/2DGwGHT

4-month-old Baby Adib is fighting to live in the ICU after a heart surgery

4-month-old Baby Adib has a severe congenital heart disease. He was born with a defective heart. His father, an accountant in a small firm has borrowed heavily to fund treatment till now and has nothing left to continue his baby's treatment. He needs help saving his baby.Baby Adib at the hospital with his parents Javed (centre) and Arshya (left)The parents were in the dark for months before realising Adib was sickAdib's heart defect was diagnosed almost two months after birth. Adib cried excessively and he didn't choose to feed. His weight did not increase and he even started having breathing trouble. His parents Arshya and Javed took him to the doctor, never imagining that his life was actually in danger.An x-ray showed that Adib had pneumonia - a direct result of the heart condition. He was immediately admitted to the hospital. When breathing trouble persisted, his heart condition was finally caught. Adib's condition was so bad that the doctors asked his parents to get immediate cor
http://bit.ly/2DExlcN

Our Son, Tabresh, Has Only A Week To Get A Liver Transplant That Can Save His Life

Our son, Tabresh, is 28 years old. He should be at a good job, married, and creating a future for himself with a family. Instead, my son is racing against the clock to stay alive. He has been fighting a liver dysfunction. Now, his liver has failed, and he is bleeding continuously into his stomach. We have less than a week to save him with a liver transplant.We did not know that he was slowly dyingTabresh was healthy all his life. We had no reason to think he had any health problems, until he got jaundice in 2016. It was extremely painful. His legs were swollen, and he was yellow. He could not eat, and we had to take him to the hospital. Tests showed that Tabresh has been suffering from Budd Chiari Syndrome. The veins that go to his liver are blocked. He did not know, nor did we, that his liver was slowly dying.We are from Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh. My husband, Illyas, is a daily wage laborer. We could barely meet ends until Tabresh started working. Within a few months, he fell sick. W
http://bit.ly/2DIyErk

Dreams Of Her Future Shattered, Jyothi Fights Kidney Failure And Only A Transplant Can Save Her

“We were looking to get her married. If everything had gone as we thought - she's be happily married by now. Jyothi’s life was full of dreams - of a happy marriage and starting a new life. But everything was thrown off course when she was diagnosed with kidney failure. Now as she battles for her life, all she can think of is how differently her life would have panned out, had she been any other healthy young woman.  Jyothi, before she fell sickMisdiagnosis cost Jyothi a lot of precious timeJyothi Kurapati is a working professional in Vijayawada and lives with her mother and younger brother. For over a year, she has been falling sick with high fevers. Even after consulting with multiple doctors and running a battery of tests, nothing was detected. She was given a lot of medication. No one knew how serious her condition was till 80% of her kidneys failed and her entire body started swelling up.Jyothi's body started swelling because of kidney failureWhen her mother, Devamma rushed
http://bit.ly/2DGFAVS

Mousumi's Husband Lost Both his Legs to a Terrible Infection, She is Struggling to Save His Life

Mousumi and Subrata have been married for 3 years and living a happy life. In a month’s time, their plans, dreams, and hopes are completely shattered, Subrata is now in ICU fighting multiple life-threatening diseases. He requires further treatment to recover and live a normal life.It all started with a fever leading to multi-organ failureTwo months before, 32-year-old Subrata had a severe fever and he was taken to a hospital in Guwahati. His condition became worse due to septicemia meaning infection in the blood. He was rushed to a hospital in Chennai for treatment. He was diagnosed with septic shock resulting in multi-organ failure. He is breathing with the ventilator support and has been in ICU for more than 40 days.He has lost both his legs and parts of six of his fingers due to the infection When doctors said his blood pressure had reduced drastically Mousumi was frightened and unbelievably she had more tragedy to endure. She has not even heard of these conditions before- septi
http://bit.ly/2pafhnP

This 7-year-old Woke Up To Find Herself Paralyzed And She Needs Help To Survive

“She was completely fine that day. She played, went to tuition, came home, had dinner and slept. The next day, she did not get up.”7 years old, Varshine is a topper in her school. She is the ideal daughter, who loves school, family, friends, and life, with the ability to delight everyone with just a smile. A few weeks ago, Varshine went to sleep and the next morning, she found herself paralyzed. Varshine’s been diagnosed with a rare nerve disorder, and she is fighting to beat it before it takes her life.She was frozen on her bed unable to cry for helpDuraivel and Vasanti live in Ayampettai near Kanchipuram with their son and daughter. Here, Duraivel works in construction for Rs. 400/day. The family has been happy with life so far, and glad that their children are excelling in school. One morning, changed their lives.“2 weeks ago, we went to wake her up because she was getting late to school. She was in tears and we did not understand at first. She could not move. She was comp
http://bit.ly/2pcP3RF

This 26-year-old Mother Fighting Cancer Is Afraid That She Won’t Get To Say Goodbye To Her Children

Rejina is a 26-year-old mother of three young children. For over a year, she has been fighting cancer, while it has been getting worse. Her husband recently brought her to Bangalore for treatment, and is now struggling to keep her alive. Rejina has not seen her children in a month, and she is afraid that will never get to say goodbye.There were absolutely no symptoms and suddenly she was diagnosed with cancerMafidul and Rejina live in a small West Bengal town with their children Shamima (10), Masirul (5) and Mariam (2), on income from toiling in the fields. While they struggle to meet ends, this family could not be more content with what God has bestowed on them. Unfortunately, life took a turn for the worse a few months ago.“We did not notice any symptoms until she fell near the well when trying to get water. We took her to the hospital immediately and they ran so many tests. I could not even register what the doctor was saying initially. My mind stopped working once I heard the w
http://bit.ly/2p8E1ww

This Mother Fighting To Save Her 3-month-old Son’s Life For The Second Time Asks For Help

My son, Mogith, was a premature baby, born at 27 weeks. He had to be on the ventilator for over 45 days after he was born. He survived. We brought him home after a long wait. Everything was fine for a month. I never imagined we would be back in the hospital fighting to save him again.We thought the worst was behind us when we brought him home                    It was a normal delivery. I remember the pain all too well, unable to touch my newborn child, hold or feed him. It felt like a miracle when he came home with us. He spent a month in my arms. When I did not have him, my husband did.Suddenly one day, he had vomiting. We had to admit him to the hospital. He got better in 2 days, and just as they were going to discharge him, he began coughing up. Mogith was diagnosed with pneumonia. He has been on the ventilator for 10 days.He cannot survive without that ventilatorThe doctors say that his lungs are infected and without the ventilator, we would lose Mogith. He is always
http://bit.ly/2pavIR9

Specials – Moments from South Africa v Zimbabwe Test history – The Cricket Cauldron

  This year’s Boxing Day match in South Africa assumes great significance as the hosts square off against Zimbabwe in the first four-day Test since Test cricket around the world was standardised to five days.   The one-off Test in Port Elizabeth is being considered by the ICC as a trial for its future potentiality, [ ]
http://bit.ly/2DqHMR7

This 12-year-old Tuition Teacher Is Too Sick To Eat Or Move And Needs Your Help To Survive

Esther wants to be a teacher when she grows up. More than going to school, she loves teaching the children in the neighborhood who flock to her house to clear their doubts. Once every 21 days, Esther starts having shooting pains in her body and she is too sick to even eat or move and needs a blood transfusion. The only cure is an expensive procedure her parents can't afford.Esther at the hospital with her fatherRegular blood transfusions are damaging Esther's organsEsther's father David is a pastor of the church in Jammulapalem – a small village near Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. Esther is his first child and they found out she had Thalassemia Major when she was just 6-months-old. The nature of the disease at first left them shattered. Esther at the hospital“For at least a year after she was diagnosed – we were very upset. But with the doctor's support and counselling, we were able to accept it. Now, she needs blood once in three days and it is damaging her body. The doctor says we n
http://bit.ly/2pbaEd6

This 15-year-old Tuition Teacher Is Too Sick To Eat Or Move And Needs Your Help To Survive

Esther wants to be a teacher when she grows up. More than going to school, she loves teaching the children in the neighborhood who flock to her house to clear their doubts. Once every 21 days, Esther starts having shooting pains in her body and she is too sick to even eat or move and needs a blood transfusion. The only cure is an expensive procedure her parents can't afford.Esther at the hospital with her fatherRegular blood transfusions are damaging Esther's organsEsther's father David is a pastor of the church in Jammulapalem – a small village near Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. Esther is his first child and they found out she had Thalassemia Major when she was just 6-months-old. The nature of the disease at first left them shattered. Esther at the hospital“For at least a year after she was diagnosed – we were very upset. But with the doctor's support and counselling, we were able to accept it. Now, she needs blood once in three days and it is damaging her body. The doctor says we n
http://bit.ly/2pbaEd6

These Parents Together Are Starving Themselves To Save Money For Their 5-month-old Son's Treatment

Mamatha gave birth to a baby boy in July through a C-section. Unfortunately, soon after his birth, her baby developed an infection and was admitted to the ICU. Desperate to save their baby, the new parents skipped meals to save cash for their baby's treatment and medicines. Still, they are far from the goal required to save their baby.Mamatha and Karunakar with their babyMamatha has spent the last two months living in the ICU waiting hallTwo months after birth, Mamatha's son recovered and was discharged but within 4 days, he fell sick again and they had to rush him to a hospital in Ramsagar, a small village near Warangal. Nobody would help the child, so Mamatha and her husband decided to come to Hyderabad.It is only now that the baby is finally showing signs of getting better“They all told us that there was a 95% chance that the baby would die. Finally an uncle told me to come to Rainbow Hospital. It was here that my son finally started getting better. He was in the ICU for two mon
http://bit.ly/2DhHo7r

This 19-year-old Has Not Been Allowed To Walk All His Life For The Fear That It Will Stop His Heart

“We have lost count of how much we spent on treatment. As long as we can't save him, whatever we spend will not be enough,” says Deepak's mother Manju.Deepak is a 19-year-old heart patient from Jharkhand. He has a defective heart valve might take his life. An open-heart surgery is the only thing that can make him better. He is his parents only child and they have spent everything they had on his treatment. They have nothing left to now to save him. Deepak is in Bangalore with his parents for treatmentHeart disease has always help Deepak back till nowDeepak has grown up in a village near Dumka, Jharkhand. All his life, he has wanted to do more, but heart disease and his parents' burning anxiety about his health always held him back. Deepak has not been allowed to walk, play or go out with his friends for fear of his health.“From as far back as I can remember, my parents have been worried about me. I used to feel like I had no freedom. But now I am getting so weak, that even if t
http://bit.ly/2DhHnQV

Indian basketball struggles to rise in FIBA Rankings in 2017

This article was first published in my Hoopistani column for The Times of India Sports on December 10, 2017. Click here to read the original piece. Often, no amount of statistical logic can dampen the pure jubilation of success. In July this year, in front of a packed stadium of cheering home fans at the [ ]
http://bit.ly/2Dednp7

24-Year-Old Shashi Needs Help To Fight Cancer For The Second Time

“I thought it was finally time for me to get my life back on track, but I was wrong. The doctors told me the cancer was back. I kept rereading my reports because I couldn’t believe that the nightmare was not over yet.”Shashi Kumar has been fighting cancer for close to 2 years now. He’s has Carcinoma, a severe form of cancer that starts in the cells or the tissue lining organs. Cancer has now affected his liver and he needs chemotherapy at the earliest. Shashi has completed 1 cycle of chemotherapy and needs 3 more.A never-ending battle with cancerShashi has been diagnosed with cancer for the second time now. After completing chemotherapy and radiation the first time, he felt positive about his recovery. He was looking forward to going back to work and starting his life again, but fate had other plans for him. Shashi recently discovered that his cancer was back.“My battle with cancer started one and a half years ago when I used to find it hard to breathe through my nose. I
http://bit.ly/2oRBney

Javeed, Father of Four Children is Fighting Cancer, He Needs a Bone Marrow Transplant to Survive

55-year-old Mohamad Javeed father of four children has blood cancer and the family is devastated. The only treatment for him to survive is bone marrow transplant to survive and unfortunately the family cannot afford it.They thought he had dengue but the diagnosis much worseA month before Javeed had a terrible fever so his brother Sajid took him to the hospital. They were told that it was dengue and Javeed was given treatment for it. But his condition deteriorated and he started bleeding from his mouth. It was then that a bone marrow test was taken and the family learnt that Javeed had something more deadly - cancer.Sajid was shocked to hear this. He did not know how he would tell this to his brother and his family. He told them that Javeed had TB and he needed treatment for a few more days. It was only when Javeed was given the first cycle of chemotherapy did a nurse tell him what was really wrong with him.He is worried about the future of his children and his wifeWhen Javeed first he
http://bit.ly/2oXPlf1

11-Year-Old Ashritha Is Battling A Severe Form Of Cancer And Is In Constant Pain

“Her mouth hurts so bad, she barely eat anything. It’s devastating to see our little girl like this. She used to be a different person.”Shree Ashritha is an 11-year-old girl who has aggressive blood cancer and only chemotherapy can save her. In August, her parents took her to the doctor when she kept complaining of pain in the stomach and difficulty breathing. To their horror, she was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma - a type of blood cancer.Ashrita with her parentsLife changed for the worse, for Ashritha and her familyAshritha lived in a small, happy family before news of cancer hit them. She lives with her parents and elder brother. Now, the family feels like they are stuck in a never-ending nightmare.Ashritha used to be a very active kid, both at school and with friends. But now, this little girl is living the worst life imaginable for someone her age. At a time, where the only thing she should worry about is homework, life has taken a sour turn. She is undergoing
http://bit.ly/2p1GRDR

8-Year-Old Girl Bedridden Due To Cancer Seeks Help For Treatment So She Could Walk Again

8-year-old Helen opens her eyes, she is not sure if it’s morning or night. Outside the hospital room, she sees a nurse walk by. Before she could complete the thought, her tired eyes take her back to sleep. It has been 30 days in the cancer isolation ward. Helen waits for the day she can walk again and sleep without pain.Helen is an 8-year-old cancer patient. She is the second child of Manoj and Reshmi. Helen who once loved dancing is now bedridden. She can barely stand with the help of her father.It has been a month since Helen went outside the isolation room in the hospital. She is just completing the last round of high dose chemotherapy. This will prepare her body for the bone marrow transplant, the only option left to cure her aggressive cancer.Helen was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 4When Helen started going to school, there was only one thing she was eager to do-dance'. After few days of school, she started complaining of severe leg pain. Her mother, Reshmi, thought it wa
http://bit.ly/2oTxPIY

8-Year-Old Helen Who Has Been In Cancer Isolation Ward Needs Our Help To Stay Alive

8-year-old Helen opens her eyes, she is not sure if it’s morning or night. Outside the hospital room, she sees a nurse walk by. Before she could complete the thought, her tired eyes take her back to sleep. It has been 30 days in the cancer isolation ward. Helen waits for the day she can walk again and sleep without pain.Helen is an 8-year-old cancer patient. She is the second child of Manoj and Reshmi. Helen who once loved dancing is now bedridden. She can barely stand with the help of her father.It has been a month since Helen went outside the isolation room in the hospital. She is just completing the last round of high dose chemotherapy. This will prepare her body for the bone marrow transplant, the only option left to cure her aggressive cancer.Helen was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 4When Helen started going to school, there was only one thing she was eager to do-dance'. After few days of school, she started complaining of severe leg pain. Her mother, Reshmi, thought it wa
http://bit.ly/2oTxPIY

Help This 6-year-old Who Is Rushed To The Hospital Every Month On The Brink Of Death

“God has played cruel tricks on us, when it comes to children. Our daughter is handicapped, and our son has been fighting for his life since he was born.”Mohan Gundrathi is unable to talk about his son's health without breaking down in sobs. It is the plight of a father who sees his children suffering terribly every day. Just two months after he was born, Narsimha - Mohan’s son, was rushed to the hospital because he couldn’t breathe. He didn't have enough blood in his body and needed a transfusion.Life hasn't dealt a fair hand to little NarsimhaNarsimha was born deaf and mute. While his blood disorder is the biggest concern of the family, his inability to express pain and suffering make it worse. He has Thalassemia Major - a condition where his body produces abnormal blood that can't absorb enough oxygen. It is a condition where his only chance for survival is taking new blood regularly - which is very harsh on the body's organs. His first transfusion gave him strength for abo
http://bit.ly/2oT7CKB

Against All Odds, Narsimha’s Parents Are Trying To Save Him From A Critical Blood Disorder

“God has played cruel tricks on us, when it comes to children. Our daughter is handicapped, and our son has been fighting for his life since he was born.”Mohan Gundrathi is unable to talk about his son's health without breaking down in sobs. It is the plight of a father who sees his children suffering terribly every day. Just two months after he was born, Narsimha - Mohan’s son, was rushed to the hospital because he couldn’t breathe. He didn't have enough blood in his body and needed a transfusion.Life hasn't dealt a fair hand to little NarsimhaNarsimha was born deaf and mute. While his blood disorder is the biggest concern of the family, his inability to express pain and suffering make it worse. He has Thalassemia Major - a condition where his body produces abnormal blood that can't absorb enough oxygen. It is a condition where his only chance for survival is taking new blood regularly - which is very harsh on the body's organs. His first transfusion gave him strength for abo
http://bit.ly/2oT7CKB

My Son's Liver Disease Is Now Making Him Itch Until He Bleeds And We Need Help To Save Him

Sathwik is my younger son and we found that there was a problem with his liver when he was just 11-year-old. 10 years back, we started fearing for his life – and nothing positive has happened to take away our fear. We sold everything of value that we had to do his surgery when he was a baby and have nothing left to save him. He is still fighting to survive and now we feel helpless.Despite his terrible illness, nothing keeps Sathwik downSathwik has lived all his life as a sick child. His illness has made him weak – his bones are brittle and the excess bile from his liver makes him itch until he bleeds. The bleeding does not stop as his blood is deficient in clotting factors.But has this stopped him? If only – Sathwik's energy sometimes just leaves us helpless. In the last 2 years, he has fallen and suffered 2 fractures and 1 head injury that needed 6 stitches. I work until 10 pm and every day when I come back home – I have to beg and plead with my son to eat his bland, oil-le
http://bit.ly/2DfyIi8

Kalaiarasi was Born After 8 Long Years Of Marriage And Without a Surgery Her Parents Might Lose Her

Gajalakshmi and Jayakumar were overwhelmed with joy when Kalaiarasi was born. They waited 8 years to welcome this miracle into their lives but things soon turned dark for this family. Baby Kalaiarasi was rushed to ICU soon after her birth for an urgent surgery.Scans showed that the baby had a problem but parents hoped that it would be curedAfter 8 long years after marriage, Gajalakshi discovered that she was pregnant. The happy event was something the couple had been waiting for. They were simply thrilled. Their nightmare began when the eighth-month scan showed that the baby had a lump in her lung. But the doctors said it could be cured with medicines after birth.Baby was diagnosed with a severe respiratory problemGajalakshmi and Jayakumar’ s hopes were shattered when the baby was taken to ICU soon after her birth. The baby was diagnosed with a severe respiratory condition called Tracheoesophagal fistula. She had a surgery within 3 days of birth. It was only after the surgery that
http://bit.ly/2DfyzLC

This 9-year-old Artist Who Once Impressed Abdul Kalam Needs Help To Beat A Rare Disorder

9-year-old Haasan‘s growth has stopped due to a rare medical condition called hypopituitarism where the body cannot produce hormone essentials for growth. His parents Palani and Roja are devastated and the very thought of his future has become a nightmare for them.Doctors said that his growth is not normal to his age and he needs growth hormone injectionWhen Roja became pregnant with Haasan, she and her husband feared that the baby might have genetic problems. Palani’s brother was born handicapped, and this led them to suspect that the tragedy might continue in the next generation as well.  Right from the first scan of the pregnancy till the delivery, they went to a private hospital. They were willing to do anything to avoid risks."He was born healthy. We were so happy but when he turned 5 our lives turned upside down. Haasan had a huge swelling in his throat and he had severe breathing trouble. He began to bite his tongue whenever he could not breathe and would start bleeding.
http://bit.ly/2oJkDGu

This Mother Is Single-Handedly Trying To Save Her 16-Year-Old Son From Blood Cancer

“My husband asked me not to get him treated. He said it was a waste of time and money because he thinks cancer is not curable. There were a lot of people bringing us down and telling us he won’t get better, but I know he can beat the disease. He has his entire life ahead of him, and I’m going to stand by him no matter what," says Jaishree, Sudarshan's mother.Sudarshan has been bravely fighting blood cancer for 6 months now. Despite several obstacles, his mother, Jaishree, took him from Bijapur to Bangalore for his treatment. Sudarshan’s only chance of a healthy future is chemotherapy. He was completed 4 cycles, and needs 2 more. If his treatment is left incomplete, Sudarshan’s fight till now will be in vain.His father abandoned the familyIt’s been 3 years since Sudarshan has seen his father. Instead of worrying for his son's life after the news of his cancer, his father was among the first to tell Jaishree not to get him treated. However, Jaishree is not one to give up. E
http://bit.ly/2D1Y178

5-Year-Old Hardik Can't Eat Or Sleep Because of Unbearable Pain From Blood Cancer

“There is a deadly disease living inside our son’s little body. It made him weaker every day, and we didn’t even know,” says Shyam Verma, Hardik's father.It began in May when Hardik started to fall sick. His fever wasn’t going down, so his parents took him to a doctor who advised them to go to Mumbai for further tests. What they thought was only a passing fever, soon turned into a nightmare. 5-year-old Hardik was diagnosed with blood cancer in August. He has taken 3 cycles of chemotherapy so far, and has 3 more left. Hardik’s condition will rapidly decline if his treatment does not continue.Hardik and his parents haven’t left the hospital in 3 monthsEver since the terrible news of Hardik’s illness, his parents have been heartbroken. Nevertheless, Shyam and his wife are determined to find a way to save their son. After several tests and scans in Mumbai, they took him to Delhi for his treatment, and have been there ever since.“We feel like we’ve been in the hospital
http://bit.ly/2kdsqHP

Help Kashif Who Is 12 Lakhs In Debt And Still Struggling To Beat Blood Cancer

Saquib's 20-year-old brother Kashif is fighting blood cancer since August 2017. For treatment Saquib has taken an expensive personal loan – the maximum that someone with his salary was eligible for. But Kashif's treatment has only just started and to get better, he needs treatment till next March. Saquib is needs help saving his only brother from Cancer.It took Kashif's mother a month to come to terms with his cancerKashif is the third child in his family and his cancer was a shock to every one in the family. His mother was so inconsolable that Kashif had to go to Mumbai for treatment with other relatives. It is only after a month that she went there. It is a difficulty every one in the family needed to overcome.  “When someone you love has cancer the most difficult part is getting a hold of yourself. Only when that happens, you can share your strength with your loved one. It took us all some time before we were able to do that for Kashif. He is so young – for him to get cancer
http://bit.ly/2kE9iCc

18-year-old Jyoti Doesn't Want To Leave Home Because Cancer Has Disfigured Her Face

Cancer is a terrible illness, much more so when visibly marked by the tumour. Jyoti has an unusual cancer behind her eye that has caused one side of her face to swell up. Since cancer, Jyoti has heard many painful, hurtful things about her face. Her parents cannot afford treatment and the 18-year-old Jyoti is waiting for the ordeal to be over.This is Jyoti's last chance at fighting cancer and even if she has given up, her father Gullapa is determined to save her. Jyoti's family thought that her cancer was an insect bite“It was a normal night. I ate dinner and went to bed. The next morning I woke up, my left eye was swollen. Every one thought it was an insect bite. When it did not go away after a few days – we decided to go to the doctor. No one expected it to be what it was,” explains Jyoti.Jyoti outside her house in Adavisomapura, a small village in Gadag, KarnatakaDespite fighting it for the last two years, Jyoti still hesitates to name her condition. To her, the cancer has
http://bit.ly/2kaVNuh

Vishnu Ravi Shankar on Amritpal Singh and Pursuit India

One of Indian basketball s biggest stars, Amritpal Singh, is breaking barriers as the first Indian to play in the Australian NBL league. After watching Amritpal play first-hand in Melbourne, Hoopdarshan s host Kaushik Lakshman joins Karan Madhok to interview Vishnu Ravi Shankar of Pursuit India on Amritpal s NBL journey, opportunities, challenges, and the future of other [ ]
http://bit.ly/2k5Doim

Basketball Federation of India K. Govindraj elected as Indian Olympic Association’s Vice President

The Basketball Federation of India (BFI) announced on Thursday that its president, K. Govindraj, has been elected as the Vice-President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). It s been a celebratory few weeks for Govindraj, who was also appointed as a member of the FIBA (International Basketball Federation) Competitions Commission recently. Election results of the IOA [ ]
http://bit.ly/2ku1wL1

These Parents Are Struggling To Save Their Extremely Premature Baby

“Our baby’s first experience of this world has only been extreme pain. He doesn’t even know us yet. We haven’t been able to hold him in our arms to give him warmth and love. From the first day, everything went downhill. He was fighting for his life the second he was born," says Imtiaz, the baby's father.Nasreen and Imtiaz’s baby boy was born extremely premature at 27 weeks and weighed only 1kg. These young parents were excited to welcome their first baby into this world. They had imagined a small, happy family, but it all came crashing down. The baby had a severe respiratory condition when he was born and was rushed to the NICU. Their baby can live a healthy life if kept under NICU care for the next 6 weeks.A Tragic turn of eventsImtiaz, (24) and Nasreen, (23) had only just begun their lives together. They got married a year ago and soon received the news of her pregnancy. It was supposed to be a celebration twice over for the couple this year.“We were looking forward to w
http://bit.ly/2zb42yh

Even When Fighting Blood Cancer 9-year-old Anju Frets About Missing Her Exam

9-year-old Anju has been fighting blood cancer for two months now. She is in and out of the hospital taking rigorous chemotherapy that will control her cancer. But even through treatment, she keeps asking her father if she will get better by March – in time to write her final exams. Her parents assure her that it is possible, but in reality they don't even know if they can afford her treatment.Anju with her parents at the hospitalAnju is a bright, vivacious child waiting to go back to schoolIt was just a fever that led to such a terrible diagnosis. Anju had just recovered from dengue and her parents were worried that it might have come back. That was their biggest concern when Anju was admitted in the ICU. But the blood tests brought even worse news.“Anju is one of those kids who seem to be involved in everything – almost like having many different lives. Anju is great at studying, always at the top in her school. She loves dancing and manages to participate in every programme
http://bit.ly/2nZZEie

I Escaped The War In Sudan And Came To India Penniless Only To Find My Wife Fighting Cancer

"I took that job as a cook in Africa to save our family. I had to give it up, did not get paid, run back to India when the war broke out, only to find Iti fighting cancer."My wife Iti Biswas(24) has blood cancer and I have come all the way to Bangalore just for her treatment. Unfortunately, her treatment is not progressing as expected and the doctor tells us that we will have to stay back longer. I have run out of all avenues to save my wife and am requesting for help saving her.Iti does not know yet that she has Blood CancerIti has a very childlike personality. She laughs like a child, loves small babies and sometimes gets angry over small things. It is her biggest strength and it is why I have not yet told her she has Cancer. Cancer is like that. It can break people and shatter lives in a moment. I cannot even imagine telling her she has it.I want Iti to stay hopeful. I want her to believe that she will be fine. It will help her fight better. If she knows she has cancer, she will gi
http://bit.ly/2nUXKiX

This 55-day-old Baby's Chest Is Open As He Lies In The ICU Recovering From A Major Heart Surgery

"He was on our lap for 45 days after he was born. We never lay him on the floor. It's been 10 days, and we have not got a chance to even touch him!"Kalimuthu and Kariyakaliammal were overjoyed when they had a baby boy on October 19th. Their family was complete with a 7-year-old daughter and a newborn son. When they visited the hospital after a few weeks for a follow-up, they discovered that their son was born with a heart defect. Without immediate surgery, they were going to lose him. Although the surgery was done in time, Kalimuthu's son is still in the ICU fighting a swelling from the surgery, with his chest still open.If they had not gone to the hospital, they would have never knownThis family was so happy about the newborn that they never noticed any symptoms. When he was around 40 days old, the couple took their baby back to the hospital for a followup and to discuss family planning options."The doctor had a stethoscope to his heart for a long time. He said there was a murmur an
http://bit.ly/2yhh1uA

After 14 Years Of Pain, This Boy Asks For Help To Fix His Heart

My name is Ganesh. I am from Tirunelveli. I study in 8th standard. I have a lot of friends. I love to play but every time I run to the playground with them, I have chest pain, I fall down and the world goes black. I have a heart problem.Appa says I had heart problem from birth. I did not know. They told me it was a fever. I remember feeling like I had a butterfly or bird inside my chest. It beats fast. I thought everyone felt like that. Whenever I run, play or feel scared, I feel like the room is going round and round. I fall, and I want to sleep. Nowadays it is happening a lot. I love cricket. I don't want my friends to leave me and play. So I go with them but suddenly when everything goes black and I wake up, I cannot move or do things normally for two days.I asked Appa to tell me what is happening because I was scared. He said it is called congenital heart disease. I have a hole in the heart. When I was born, he took me to a government hospital in Tirunelveli, TATA hospital in Ker
http://bit.ly/2yhiEsl

Help 2-Year-Old Shreyans Fight The Large Cancerous Tumor In His Liver

2-year-old Shreyans smiles at everyone that passes by. He happily waves, laughs and even gives flying kisses when he’s spoken to. When someone meets baby Shreyans for the very first time, they can't tell that he’s been fighting a cancerous tumor for months. Shreyans has been living with a huge tumor in his liver, and is undergoing treatment for the same. He has completed 6 cycles of chemotherapy so far. Shreyans’s condition is improving, but he needs an immediate liver surgery to live.Despite the agonizing pain, Baby Shreyans is generous with a smileIn April, Shreyans’s mother, Mamatha, noticed there was a swelling in her baby’s stomach. On consulting a doctor, she was asked to get an MRI scan done. His parents soon found out that their baby had a large tumor in his liver. They were completely shattered. Mamatha brought all the way from Darjeeling to Bangalore for his treatment, where he started chemotherapy immediately. Shreyans has been admitted to the hospital every mon
http://bit.ly/2yhkvgO

2-year-old Navneeth Is Too Young To Understand That Cancer Is What Has Suddenly Made Him Blind

“After settling hospital bills today, I have exactly Rs 120 in my pocket. Today this will be enough to get us back home. Tomorrow – I have to borrow money from any one who will lend,” says Jayaram, Navneeth's father.Navneeth is a 2-year-old with a terrible Cancer that has spread to multiple organs of his body. He has lost his vision due to a cancerous lump behind his eyes. He needs urgent treatment to beat cancer and regain his vision. His parents Jayaram and Durga need help to save their baby from such a terrible illness.Navneeth with his parents Durga and JayaramNavneeth hasn't fully understood that he is blind and often falls when he tries to walkNavneeth was fine till Diwali. He loved the festivities, lights and playing with all his cousins who were home. It was a few days after that that he started having trouble with his vision. His father noticed it when he threw a paper plane for Navneeth to chase – and Navneeth raced ahead not knowing when to stop. “I knew that so
http://bit.ly/2yaxHnq

How A Bangalore Cop Rescued A Newborn Baby Found Abandoned In A Dumpster

"Not more than a day old, she was left in the cold, on that concrete platform. Her umbilical cord was clipped off. It was not even dry. She was crying so loudly."They called her Baby Unknown. She did not have a name because her family abandoned her as soon as she was born. Rescued by a good samaritan, this baby girl was turned over to the Basavanagudi Police Station. Inspector Shashidhar rushed her to a hospital, assumed responsibility for her medical expenses, and saved her life. Today, this baby girl is alive, healthy and has been welcomed into a family.A passerby rescued a newborn baby abandoned on the roadInspector Shashidhar and SI Pavitra were stunned when a man entered the station with a newborn claiming that he found her on the street. After hearing him out, their hearts went out to the little one, who was clearly in distress and needed medical attention."He was going home after a late night at 2:00 AM when he heard a baby crying. He noticed a bundle on that platform around
http://bit.ly/2kDkjaD

Record Book – The Netherlands’ first ODI victory – The Cricket Cauldron

  The Netherlands are on the upswing again, not only regaining their ODI status they lost in 2013-14, but also winning the ICC World Cricket League Championship to seal their spot in the 13-team ODI league slated to begin in 2020. This well-deserved triumph was confirmed when the Dutch secured a convincing eight-wicket win over [ ]
http://bit.ly/2jafIMH