Retinoblastoma is a cancer that begins in the retina of the patient’s eye. The cancer’s victims are most commonly young children, and rarely adults. Like with every cancer (and any other illness), retinoblastoma can be treated through multiple cycles of chemotherapy. Healthcare in many countries like the US and India, however, tends to be expensive. A popular funding option for patients is the crowdfunding India platform.
What are some common symptoms of retinoblastoma?
The cancer begins to appear as a white spot in the pupil of the eye, more clearly visible when a light is shone in the eye. The cancer may appear in one eye or both. Eyes that appear to be looking in different directions are another telltale symptom of the cancer. Redness and swelling are also signs of the cancer.
Retinoblastoma is caused when the nerve cells in the eye develop genetic mutations, which cause cancer cells to multiply and grow rapidly, killing healthy cells in the process. If left untreated, retinoblastoma may eventually spread to the brain and spine.
The disease can also be inherited through a dominant pattern – meaning only one parent needs to have the mutated gene to put his/her child at risk.
What are treatment options for affected patients?
The cancer is diagnosed through eye exams and imaging tests like a CT scan or an ultrasound. Treatment depends on the size of the tumor, where it’s located and how widely it has spread at the time of diagnosis. However, chemotherapy is generally the first choice, either administered straight into the blood vessel or taken as a pill. In younger patients, chemotherapy helps eliminate most of the cancer cells and radiation therapy takes care of the rest.
A single chemotherapy cycle may cost anything between Rs 70,000 to Rs 1,20,000 in India. Patients often need 4-5 cycles. This is a large sum for most Indian families, who struggle to put two meals on their table. Today, an increasing number of patients are turning to crowdfunding India websites like Impact Guru. Crowdfunding helps them raise the funds they need for their treatment without having to taken on the burden of paying back a loan, offer collateral or sell their valuable assets.
How does crowdfunding work?
You can create a fundraiser for free on most platforms, talk a little about your cause in the fundraiser story box and share your appeal across to your contacts on email, Facebook, Whatsapp and more.
Crowdfunding India works on the concept of asking a little from a lot of people, to make a difference in someone’s life. You need nothing more than a story, a goal amount and some determination to make your fundraiser a success. If your loved one is currently battling a disease like retinoblastoma and needs treatment, look no further. Start raising funds today!