When one-year-old Manika arrived at the hospital, she was already facing two difficult challenges. Diagnosed with Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukaemia (JMML), she was also struggling with a lag in physical development (growth faltering or failure to thrive) and severe acute malnutrition. Her body lacked the nutrition it needed to cope with treatment, making her recovery even more challenging.
Manika lives with her parents and two sisters. Her father works as a tailor, while her mother is a homemaker and Manika’s primary caregiver. Like many families facing childhood cancer, they suddenly found themselves navigating the emotional shock of the diagnosis alongside financial difficulties and limited family support.
When her mother first heard about her daughter’s condition, she felt scared, confused and overwhelmed. She worried about how they would continue treatment while managing the family’s financial situation and the lack of support around them.
After Manika’s first hospital admission, her father returned home while her mother stayed back to care for her daughter. Even after discharge, she continued bringing Manika for every treatment and follow-up visit on her own, determined to give her the best chance at recovery.
Recognising that Manika’s nutritional status required urgent attention, Cuddles nutritionist developed a nutrition plan tailored to her needs. Through regular nutrition counselling, practical feeding advice using affordable locally available foods, continuous follow-ups and nutritional support through the Supplements, Hot Meals and In-Meals Programmes, Manika’s progress was closely monitored throughout treatment.
Slowly, Manika began to recover. Her nutritional status growth measurements steadily improved. Her Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), an important indicator of nutritional health, increased from 8.4 cm to 12 cm. For a child diagnosed with growth faltering, these small improvements reflected months of consistent nutritional care and close monitoring.
For our nutritionist, Manika’s journey is a powerful reminder of how sustained nutritional support can change a child’s recovery. Despite financial hardship and limited family support, her mother remained committed to her daughter’s treatment. Regular counselling, emotional support and practical guidance gave her the confidence to continue, helping prevent treatment abandonment and ensuring Manika received the care she needed.
Over time, a strong bond developed between Manika’s mother and our nutritionist. She describes her nutritionist as a trusted guide who offered encouragement, reassurance and practical advice throughout their journey. Knowing there was someone to answer her questions and support her at every stage made the path feel less overwhelming.
Today, Manika continues treatment with improving nutritional status. Though she is still too young to speak about her dreams for the future, every milestone she reaches brings her one step closer to a healthier childhood.
Manika’s mothers message to other families comes from her own experience.
“Have patience and follow the doctors’ and healthcare team’s instructions.”
Manika’s story reminds us that recovery is often built through small, consistent steps. Sometimes, it begins with a mother who refuses to give up, a child who slowly grows stronger, and the right nutritional support at the right time.
Today, Manika continues her treatment with renewed strength, supported by a family that has never stopped believing in her. Every follow-up, every improvement in her nutritional status and every milestone she reaches is a step towards a healthier future.
With continued care, proper nutrition and unwavering support, children like Manika have a better chance to grow, heal and look forward to the childhood they deserve. Feed a child like Manika. Donate here.
Feed a Child. Starve Cancer. Because #FoodHeals
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