Three-year-old Vihaana Prasad is bravely battling aplastic anaemia, a serious condition that she was diagnosed with at just two years and nine months old. Currently receiving treatment at Lautoka Hospital, Vihaana’s journey has been difficult, yet her resilience continues to inspire those around her.
Vihaana’s mother, Madhvi Poonam, shared that her daughter is in isolation at the hospital, where there is an ongoing need for B-positive blood donations to support her platelet transfusions. The NGO Being Helping Hands Fiji is actively promoting this need on social media, urging the community to assist the family during this challenging time.
The young girl was originally diagnosed with the illness while receiving medical attention in India back in March. Shortly after her return to Fiji, she faced additional health challenges, including pneumonia. Despite these adversities, Ms. Poonam expressed deep admiration for her daughter’s strength, noting that Vihaana remains cheerful through her struggles. She said, “If you see her, she’s still smiling through the pain and that gives us strength to keep going because she’s fighting.”
Vihaana’s health issues began with a mild viral infection at the end of January, followed by alarming symptoms, which led to tests revealing dangerously low platelet levels. After being admitted to Lautoka Hospital, a bone marrow biopsy confirmed her condition. Fortunately, Ms. Poonam was found to be a compatible stem cell donor.
The family traveled to India for further tests on March 9, where the diagnosis of aplastic anaemia was confirmed. They faced financial hurdles, which compelled them to return home just a week later, with treatment options presented by doctors including chemotherapy or a bone marrow transplant. Vihaana underwent her first bone marrow transplant in June, even though doctors had informed the family that she had only a 15 to 20 percent survival chance.
Despite undergoing two transplants and experiencing complications related to her lung and liver, Vihaana’s parents remain optimistic. Ms. Poonam expressed their determination, stating, “She’s our only child, and you want to see your child better so we’re giving everything that we’ve got.”
This story exemplifies the power of hope and the strength of familial love in the face of daunting challenges. Vihaana’s journey, while fraught with difficulties, serves as a reminder of the resilience that individuals possess, especially young children fighting for their health. Efforts like those from Being Helping Hands Fiji showcase community support in times of need, emphasizing the importance of collective action in health crises.
In summary, while the Prasad family navigates a tough road ahead, Vihaana’s spirit continues to shine, providing inspiration for her loved ones and the wider community.
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