Kids We Support
Vennila
Month and Year of Birth: August 2010
Vennila’s parents are from Ananthapur in Andhra Pradesh and was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma when she was 3. Her father is a farmer and are not financially capable of paying for the treatment, so Iksha is paying for the treatment of Vennila.
Her right eye was removed because of an advanced tumor. She has undergone chemotherapy for her left eye and is currently undergoing focal laser treatment. The tumor has regressed, but not gone away yet. The doctors tried more aggressive treatment to heal the tumor as soon as possible but were not successful.
In late 2013, the doctors took the call to remove her second eye as well and it was very hard on the family to take the decision to go ahead, but they realized that it was essential to do so in order to save her life.
Venilla is now completely blind, but her spirit is still high. She talks in a sweet voice and recognizes the doctor's voice and some of the Iksha trustee's voices.
Baby Anushree
Month and Year of Birth: October 2010
Baby Anushree was a 1-year 7-month-old girl when she first came for treatment in Bangalore. Her parents consulted a hospital in Daralakatte, Mangalore and was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma and they are been referred to Narayana Nethralaya for further treatment.
Her right eye has been removed due to an advanced tumor. She had undergone chemotherapy and now she is focal laser therapy for her left eye. The tumors have responded well to treatment, and her visits to the hospital are occurring less frequently. There has been no tumor recurrence so far.
Rakshith
Month and Year of Birth: May 2011
Rakshith was born in May 2011 and hails from Mangalore, where his father is a driver for an ice factory. Rakshith is suffering from retinoblastoma in both eyes, with the right eye tumor being large, necessitating its removal.
His left eye had a small tumor visible, which is being treated by chemotherapy and lasers. He is at a low risk that cancer would affect his life, as his parents presented his child early for care. His parents are financially not well off, and require support for the treatment.
His parents bring him for checkups regularly and he is a healthy child.
Prashanth
Month and Year of Birth: June 2004
Prashanth is a 14 years old boy, who attends school. He was diagnosed and treated for bilateral Retinoblastoma over 10 years ago with chemotherapy and right eye had been Enucleated. He was Cancer free for few years but unfortunately, over 4 years ago, he had a relapse of retinoblastoma and tracers of the cancer were seen in the second eye. Altogether, he underwent 16 cycles of chemo and 45 Fractions of radiation and tumor subsided.
In January 2018, Cancer resurfaced and was treated with laser. His vision deteriorated further was finding it hard to read the blackboard at school even with low vision aids (called telescope) sponsored by Iksha 3 years back. Iksha, now funded Mobilux LED (LED powered) Smart lux DIGITAL (Pocket/Stand digital magnifier) worth Rs 59,580. With the help of these digital magnifiers, he is doing better at school.
Month updated: November 2018
Raviteja
Raviteja's eye cancer was detected early by his parents when the noticed a white reflex in one eye. On coming to Narayana Nethralaya, it was found that he had cancer in both eyes. The prompt action of the parents ensured that the treatment could be started early enough to potentially save both the eyes. He has undergone multiplies chemo sessions and is taking treatment well. He is 7 months old and is healthy. His parents have been regular to the checkups and are eager to see Raviteja grow up like other healthy kids and want to put him in school as well. The tumor recurred after a few cycles of chemotherapy and lasers. The parents have not been seen in the hospital since then.
Soha Najeen
Month and Year of Birth: October 2008
A year before, her mother noticed that she had a white glint inside one eye. A cursory, untrained medical examination missed the subtle indication. One eye needed to be removed immediately, and an attempt was made to save her other eye with chemotherapy and lasers. Developed a cataract in her right after her chemotherapy, and turned out to have an undetermined activity behind to her lens. Remove her only remaining eye - because it was too much of a risk to her life. The parents have not brought the child back to the hospital since then.
Latha
Month and Year of Birth: November 2008
Second child we funded. Cant get in touch with them now. 18-month-old Latha's curiosity and her infectious smile is the first thing you will notice when you see her. On a closer look, you realize that the little girl had lost one eye to this tumor. After a few cycles of chemotherapy, the parents dropped out of treatment, and the child has not been seen for the past few years.
