Bone marrow transplant can save five-year-old's life: Family seeks help for Rs 25 lakh treatment

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A five-year-old boy is battling for his life in the ICU, suffering from an extremely rare genetic disorder. Doctors are confident that a bone marrow transplant could save his life. Kasinath, who is currently receiving treatment at the SAT Hospital of Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, needs to undergo surgery at the Malabar Cancer Centre in Thalassery — the only government facility in Kerala that performs bone marrow transplants. However, the procedure will cost Rs 25 lakhs. Private hospitals charge nearly double that amount.

His parents, Naruvamoodu Mukkampalamoodu native Ranjeev and Reshma, are seeking help from kind-hearted individuals. Ranjeev, who works at a fish market, is willing to donate his bone marrow to save his son.

Kasinath has been suffering from severe digestive issues and chronic diarrhoea since he was just nine months old. Tests at the SAT Hospital diagnosed him with a rare genetic disorder. A bone marrow transplant is the only viable solution for recovery from IPEX Syndrome (Immunodysregulation Polyendocrinopathy Enteropathy X-linked Syndrome), and it must be done urgently.

Four years have passed without being able to raise the necessary funds. As his condition became critical, he was admitted to the SAT 15 days ago. Any further delay could make a transplant impossible.

A disorder that destroys immunity

• This is a rare genetic condition that disrupts the immune system. It affects about 1 in 1.6 million people.
• IPEX Syndrome is caused by a dysfunction in the regulatory T cells, which are a subset of T lymphocytes found within lymphocytes — a subgroup of white blood cells.

Living on protein powder
Ever since the diagnosis, the child has been surviving solely on protein powder, which costs Rs 1,500 every two days.

You can help
Account Number: 99980100468672 (Ranjeev S)
Bank: Federal Bank, Aryanad Branch
IFSC Code: FDRL0001935
Phone: +91 62381 23406