When 4-year-old Zunaisha began treatment for B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (B-cell ALL). Alongside her diagnosis, she was also mildly malnourished. During the early stages of treatment, she developed frequent diarrhea, making it difficult for her body to absorb the nutrition it needed.
Zunaisha lives with her parents, grandparents and sibling. Her mother is a homemaker, while her father works as a freelance cook. Like many families facing childhood cancer, they suddenly found themselves dealing with the emotional shock of the diagnosis while worrying about how they would continue treatment without a stable source of income.
When they first heard about Zunaisha’s condition, the family was overwhelmed with uncertainty about what lay ahead. Around the same time, her father lost his job, making an already difficult situation even more uncertain. Despite these challenges, they remained determined to continue treatment and do everything possible for their daughter.
Cuddle’s nutritionist developed a nutrition plan tailored to Zunaisha’s needs. In order to make sure that her body was able to absorb nutrients despite the frequent diarrhea and an impaired gut, a specially crafted diet fortified with a semi-elemental supplement was prescribed. The family also received support through the Supplements, Ration and In-Meals Programmes, along with regular nutrition counselling and practical advice on preparing nutritious local meals at home.
Slowly, Zunaisha’s health began to improve. The nutrition plan prevented her nutritional status from deteriorating and on the contrary it improved from Mild Malnutrition to well-nourished. The improvement reflected both timely nutritional rescue and the family’s commitment to following the nutrition plan. Zunaisha herself became an active participant in her care, often reminding her parents about the foods the nutritionist had advised them to avoid.
For our nutritionist, one of the most rewarding moments was seeing Zunaisha recover after the introduction of the specialised supplement. The family was equally grateful for the ration support, which eased some of their financial worries and helped them provide nutritious meals throughout treatment.
Over time, Zunaisha built a warm relationship with her nutritionist. She would become excited whenever our nutritionist visited, while her parents felt comfortable asking questions and discussing any concerns about her diet.
The family also found strength in one another. During the early days of treatment, when Zunaisha’s parents were emotionally overwhelmed and her father had lost his job, her grandparents encouraged them to stay strong and continue treatment.
Today, Zunaisha continues treatment with improving nutritional status. She looks forward to going to school and playing cricket, and one day hopes to become a teacher because she enjoys teaching others.
Her family’s message to other parents is simple.
“Be strong. Trust your doctors and nutritionists, follow the advice you are given and remember that every department in the hospital is there to support your child through treatment.”
Zunaisha’s story reminds us that recovery often begins with small, consistent steps. The right nutrition, regular follow-up and a family determined to never give up can help a child grow stronger through every stage of treatment.
Today, Zunaisha continues her journey with renewed strength and hope. With continued care, proper nutrition and unwavering family support, children like Zunaisha have a better chance to heal, return to childhood and look forward to the future they dream of. Feed a child like Zunaisha. Donate here.
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