A father’s plea to cure his son

I, B. M.C. T. Senaratne, a teacher at the Anuradhapura President’s College, is a father of four. My wife is employed as a teacher at the Anuradhapura Rathmale Tissa Vidyalaya. We have three sons in ages 19, 14 and 11. The elder son is studying in Grade 13 and the second son is in Grade 9. 

My younger son is currently studying in Grade 6 at Walisinghe Harischandra College. However, he has been diagnosed with Thalassemia and is going through mental and physical trauma. He needs to be in hospital for treatment once in three weeks. Since he is being given blood transfusions, there is iron deposits in his blood. This iron has to be removed through special equipment that is fixed to his stomach. This process of removing the iron goes on for 10 hours, causing much pain to my son. 

He is required to have a 200 ml medicinal drink prior to having his meals. Amidst all these obstacles, my son faced the Grade 5 scholarship exam and scored 161 marks. 

However, my son’s life is now in danger. In order to save his life, a bone marrow transplant is required. His elder brother’s bone marrow is a good match and he’s willing to make this donation. But as at March 29, 2022, the estimated amount for the transplant was Rs. 90 lakhs. But this has now been increased to Rs. 130 lakhs.  Following the transplant, my son needs to continue treatment at the hospital as doctors have warned us of secondary complications. Therefore, it would cost around Rs. 2 million to complete his transplant and treatment. 

As teachers, we find it difficult to afford such a hefty sum. So far we have collected around Rs. 90 lakhs as donations from relatives and well-wishers. We humbly request you to assist us in any way possible during these trying times. 

For more details contact B.M.C.T Senaratne on 0716303608