New Delhi:
28-year-old Raju, a labourer from Uttar Pradesh, has moved into his new home - a one-room apartment in South Delhi's Adchini area. Thanks to donors on NDTV.com, they have received over 18 lakh rupees - money that will go towards their food and medicines, and allowing them to live with dignity.
A week ago NDTV reported on Raju and his two sons had for the past three years spent their nights on the pavement outside a public bathroom opposite the AIIMS hospital in Delhi. All three have retinoblastoma, a rare type of eye cancer. Raju has lost one eye to cancer. So has 6-year-old Nitin. Harsh, who is just three, has been affected in one eye, which may have to be removed. The children are going through chemotherapy. (
Watch Raju's story here)
On nights when the temperature dipped below two degrees, they slept on the pavement, unable to afford the price of admission to a state-run shelter nearby. Raju had borrowed a lakh three years ago when Nitin, his elder son, was diagnosed with cancer. The loan was taken from a money-lender. The interest is spiraling. Every few weeks, Raju returned home to borrow a little more. Now, Raju will be able to pay back his loan thanks to donors. Their treatment is expected to go on for another two years.
A smiling Raju thanked his benefactors and said, "I am very happy. People helped me and my sons a lot. I thank all those who donated for us."
Two weeks ago, we also reported on 12-year-old Chandan, another cancer patient, who was sleeping with his father outside AIIMS. Generous donors helped raise 10.29 lakhs for him. Now, he can recover in a small hotel room from his sessions of chemotherapy. "Thank you," said Chandan on camera for the kindness of strangers. (
Watch Chandan's story here)