In a small town in Purvi Champaran, Bihar, a 16-year-old boy had his eyes set on school, friends, and one day working hard to start something of his own to support his family, just like his father. But those plans came to a sudden halt when he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow.

His family rushed to our partner hospital, desperate for help. By then, his condition had deteriorated to the point that doctors were unsure if he would survive. A serious blockage in his stomach and intestines (gastrointestinal obstruction) meant he couldn’t eat.

So the only option was to feed him via parenteral nutrition, a method by which carbs, proteins and fats are administered intravenously. His condition was so critical that some even suggested that the family consider taking him home to be surrounded by loved ones. But they chose to fight. As Anurag began responding, our nutritionist Shalini Pal continued with his nutritional rehabilitation.

“He was severely thin when I met him. But his family, especially his father, was incredibly committed. They followed everything we recommended without missing a step.” Shalini recalls.

He was enrolled in Cuddles FoodHeals™ Program, receiving in-meals, monthly rations, and supplements to support his healing. Over the months that followed, his strength returned. His appetite came back. And his body responded to treatment. His nutritional status steadily improved from being severely thin to becoming well nourished. Holding on through the hardest days, his father, Shivpujan Mishra, who works as a manager at a brick factory, became the boy’s full-time caregiver. The emotional toll was heavy, and the financial pressure overwhelming. “There were times when they broke down, the hospital environment, the uncertainty, the cost, it all weighed on them. But they never gave up. And we made sure they never had to walk alone.” Shalini shares.

Cuddles FoodHeals™ program gave the family relief not just by helping improve  Anurag’s nutritional status, but by lightening the financial burden, allowing them to focus entirely on his recovery. The family’s resilience did not go unnoticed. They were once invited as special guests to a Patient Support Group (PSG) meeting, where their determination was celebrated by other patients, doctors, and caregivers. Looking forward, though not yet back in school, this young man has started studying again at home. Before his treatment began, he was in Class 10. His favourite subjects? Mathematics and Physical Training. He misses the classroom and his friends deeply. When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, he smiles and says,  “Someone who works hard and builds something of his own, so I can support my family, like my father.” His dreams were never cancelled, only paused.

The family’s message to other parents walking this difficult road is: “Nutrition, along with treatment, gave our son a second chance. So don’t lose hope and stay strong.”

Why Your Support Matters

Thanks to your generosity, this family didn’t have to choose between food and medicine. They didn’t have to face this storm alone. You helped nourish a child back to life. You helped keep a family together. And you helped a young boy keep his dreams alive. Today, there are more children like Anurag waiting for that chance. Feed a child like him. Help more families hold on to hope.