“I want to go to school. I want to play football.”

A 15-year-old boy was originally active and always spent his time on the field. Unexpectedly, he suddenly fell ill and became weak. The doctor diagnosed him with a rare and severe blood disease. Not only did he have to stop school temporarily, but he also needed to stay away from strenuous sports and avoid collisions with others. Otherwise, the consequences will be disastrous.

【He suffered from dengue fever twice within a year. The continuous low blood platelet counts resulted in the doctor finding him to have anaemia】

Marvin Das A/L Sri Mohanadass from Puchong, Selangor, has been good at football and short-distance running since childhood. He had represented his school in competitions and won many awards. He was an active and healthy son in the eyes of his parents. In May last year, he had dengue fever and was unwell for a while, but soon became energetic again. Unexpectedly, on Deepavali Eve last year, he had a fever and fainted in the toilet at home in the early morning.

His family members sent him to the hospital, and the doctor diagnosed him with dengue fever again. He received treatment for about two weeks, and his physical condition gradually stabilised. The fever also subsided. However, an examination showed low blood platelet counts, so the hospital immediately referred him to a specialist. The doctor performed further tests and confirmed that he was a patient with severe aplastic anaemia, in which the function of bone marrow’s hematopoietic tissue declined, resulting in insufficient new blood cells being produced in the body.

After about a month of observation, the doctor considered that his condition had not improved and suggested a haploid hematopoietic stem cell transplant, along with chemotherapy and medication. Therefore, his 51-year-old father, Sri Mohanadass, and his 18-year-old brother, Devadas, went for tests, and the doctor determined that his brother was a suitable donor.

【He lost more than 5kg in a short period and must stay at home to recuperate. His family members cannot afford the substantial medical expenses】

After falling ill, Marvin Das has not been to school for about two months. He could not go to the field to play football with his friends as any collision would easily cause bruises and even bleeding. He can only rest at home. His 46-year-old mother, Julie Anne, said that her youngest son had a poor appetite and became quickly tired and dizzy. He was over 50kg before ill, but his body weight dropped to about 46kg in a short time.

The doctor urged them to allow a stem cell transplant on Marvin Das as soon as possible to reduce the risk of infection or uncontrolled bleeding. However, his father is a delivery man with a monthly income of RM1,600. His mother is a clerk earning RM2,500 monthly. They must pay the eldest son’s education expenses, house and car loans, living expenditures, and financial support for their parents. They cannot afford the substantial transplant fees.

After reviewing the case following a home visit, One Hope Charity decided to assist Marvin Das in raising RM48,060 so he could undergo stem cell transplant surgery soon. His family agreed to fully authorise One Hope Charity to take charge of the fundraising and collect donations from the well-wishers on their behalf. Call One Hope Charity’s hotline at 04-539 9212, 016-419 2192, 019-232 2192 or 018-911 4192 if you have questions.