Appeal for funds on kites to save a 4-year-old boy

Kite-flying is not always for pleasure, it can also spread a message and evoke sympathy.

Red kites, with a message from the father of a four-year-old boy suffering from aplastic anaemia, a life-threatening blood disorder. The boy’s father, who requested anonymity, said that he and his family members launched the kite campaign on Makar Sankranti and every day, they fly 10 to 15 kites with a message for help.

“Funds have not begun to flow in yet but around four queries land up every day on the number stamped on the kites,” the boy’s father, who works in a cement factory, said.

Javed Sidiqui, a small businessman, who found one such kite appealing for help, said that when he read the message, he thought it was a prank.

“I made a call to the designated number and found out the truth. I am now trying to get my neighbours and friends collect some money and give it to the family,” he said.

To arrange for funds, the father and all well-wishers have also started a social media campaign by sending out messages on Facebook and WhatsApp. They managed to earn some money by selling off their assets, including jewellery.

The family has also written for help from the chief minister’s fund and is awaiting a response.

Doctors at the department of haematology in King George’s Medical University said that an unrelated stem cell transplant is the only way to save the boy’s life. The cost of treatment is '50 lakh, which the family cannot meet despite all its efforts.

“The problem may lead to cardio-respiratory failure in the child if not treated. Frequent infections too may make breathing difficult for the child,” the doctor from the haematology department at King George’s Medical University said.