Jeypore: With no immovable property and surviving only through daily labor, a poor family’s world shattered when their only child was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease. When their 2-year-old son was diagnosed with blood cancer, it felt like the ground slipped beneath the feet of Chamara Muchaki and Chumki Chhodi of Ashok Nagar in Koraput. But they did not lose hope. Determined to save their child, they stood strong.
After a 4-year-long struggle, they succeeded in defeating cancer and giving their son, Bibhu Prasad, a new life.
In 2021, Bibhu developed a fever. When the fever didn’t subside, he was admitted to the Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College in Koraput. After examinations, doctors confirmed that Bibhu was suffering from blood cancer. He was referred elsewhere for better treatment. Due to financial constraints, with help from MLA Taraprasad Bahinipati, the parents admitted him to AIIMS Bhubaneswar. After some months of treatment, Bibhu returned home in better condition.
In 2023, cancer returned. Doctors advised advanced treatment in Mumbai. Before heading to Mumbai, the parents had only Rs. 200. Through the initiative of social worker Manohar Tripathy and crowd-funding via social media, they managed to raise Rs. 2 lakhs. With this money, they reached Mumbai.
Doctors in Mumbai informed that the treatment would cost around Rs. 50–60 lakhs. They suggested approaching various trusts and celebrities for assistance. Despite language barriers and knowing no one in the city, Chamara did not give up. He approached several celebrities and organizations including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Sachin Tendulkar. In the span of eight months, he met over 400 people.
While many stars did not offer help, and some people even accused them of fraud, the parents did not give up. Day and night, they worked tirelessly to raise funds. Chamara often went hungry, while Chumki stayed awake for days caring for her son.
Finally, with the blessings of Lord Jagannath and the support of kind-hearted people, the necessary amount was collected. After successful treatment, Bibhu is now cancer-free and has returned home to start a new life.
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