When 17-year-old Arjun arrived at our partner hospital in Bengaluru, the induction phase of his treatment for T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (T-ALL) had already taken a heavy toll on his body. He had lost a significant amount of weight, followed by a sudden gain of nearly 8 kilograms due to fluid retention. Although he appeared healthier, his body was still severely undernourished.
Arjun is from Ramanagara, Karnataka. He is currently staying in a rented one-room home in Bengaluru with his parents while continuing treatment. His elder sister remains in their hometown. His father, Suresha Gowda, is a tailor and the family’s sole earning member. Like many families facing childhood cancer, they suddenly found themselves balancing the emotional impact of the diagnosis with the financial burden of leaving home for treatment.
“My wife and I sat in our room and cried,” his father recalls. “The first hospital told us our son might not have much time. We were terrified.”
Determined to find the right care for their son, the family made their way to our partner hospital in Bengaluru. There, they met the medical team and received detailed counselling about treatment, nutrition, hygiene, port care and everything they needed to know.
“That was when I took my first breath of relief,” his father says.
After the induction phase, Arjun’s nutritional status deteriorated despite the increase in his weight. Recognising that he needed intensive nutritional rehabilitation, Cuddles nutritionist Sameera Maganti developed a nutrition plan tailored to his condition. A Ryles tube was inserted to ensure he received adequate nourishment, while high-protein supplements, carefully monitored meals, and regular nutritional assessments helped support his recovery.
Slowly, Arjun’s strength began to return. Over time, his nutritional status improved from Moderate Malnutrition to being well-nourished. Careful nutritional intervention and close monitoring helped his body recover and prepared him to continue treatment.
One moment has stayed with Sameera. After Arjun’s Ryles tube had been removed, the edema returned, a side effect of one of his medications towards the end of induction, and it had to be reinserted. He was disappointed and worried about how he looked, especially because his sister was planning to visit him from Ramanagara for her birthday. Sameera spent time talking with him and reassuring him through that difficult phase. It was a small moment, but one that reflected the emotional challenges children often carry during treatment.
His father remembers another turning point. Arjun had been refusing foods like eggs and sprouts. After Sameera patiently explained why his body needed other sources of protein, Arjun went home, boiled two eggs himself and decided he would eat sprouts the following day. For his father, it was a simple but powerful reminder of the trust his son had developed in his nutritionist.
Along with personalised counselling, Arjun’s family received support through Cuddles Foundation’s Supplements, Ration and In-Meals Programmes. Having left work to stay beside his son, Suresha worried about how he would provide food for the family while living in Bengaluru. Knowing that Arjun’s nutritional needs would be supported brought him immense relief and allowed the family to focus on his recovery.
Today, Arjun continues treatment with renewed strength. Bright, witty and full of humour, he has remained remarkably patient throughout his journey.
When treatment is over, he wants to return to Ramanagara, play cricket with his friends and go back to school. As a student of Class 11, Biology is his favourite subject, and he enjoys learning from his friendly teachers. One day, he hopes to join the Merchant Navy because he dreams of travelling the world.
His father’s message to other families comes from his own experience.
“This is a difficult journey, but don’t lose hope. There are hospitals and organisations that will support you emotionally and financially. Trust the healthcare team, ask questions and take one day at a time.”
Arjun’s story reminds us that recovery is not always reflected by what we see on the weighing scale. Sometimes, children need specialised nutritional care to regain their strength and continue treatment safely. With timely intervention, consistent monitoring and compassionate support, children like Arjun can keep moving forward—one step, one meal and one day at a time. Feed a child like Arjun. Donate here.
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