Four-year-old Esha Nadeswaran, who was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia, has successfully undergone a life-saving stem cell transplant after a global search for a donor. Despite 15,000 potential stem cell donors coming forward, initially, no match was found for Esha. With time running out, a match was eventually found with stem cells from an umbilical cord in Singapore. The transplant took place in October 2021, and although Esha still faces challenges and requires strict monitoring, she is attending school for an hour each day and is excited for Christmas.
Esha’s journey highlights the importance of organizations like Young Lives vs Cancer, which is the focus of this year’s Mirror Christmas Appeal. The charity supports children and families living with cancer by providing assistance such as covering travel costs and offering accommodation. The Nadeswaran family was supported by the charity’s Homes from Home, providing them with suitable accommodation during Esha’s treatment. This year’s appeal aims to raise funds to help families facing the financial burden of cancer during the festive season.
The Nadeswaran family, who are grateful for every day they get to spend with Esha, are looking forward to celebrating a big family Christmas this year. Esha’s mother, Kavitha, emphasizes the significance of cherishing each moment and creating special memories. The family’s experience serves as a reminder of the daily challenges faced by the thousands of children and young people diagnosed with cancer each year, and the importance of support from organizations and donations to make their lives a little brighter.
