Dubai 8-year old's brave battle against brain tumour

An eight-year-old Indian boy who was constantly complaining of back pain and eye problems is now battling for life at Rashid Hospital, Dubai, while his family is seeking help to meet medical expenses. Doctors were treating him for short sight and even increased the power of his lenses and prescribed medicines for back pain. Unfortunately the correct diagnosis came way too late for the child who is now in a critical state suffering from brain tumour. The youngster's father, Sunil Kumar - an employee of Rich and Famous in Al Qouz - told 'Emirates24|7' that neurosurgeons have advised immediate surgery. “Sourav is a third standard student of Indian High School Dubai. We never realised that he was suffering from such a serious ailment. He used to complain about severe back pain and eye problems and we consulted several doctors, who treated him for short sight. The power of his glass was enhanced recently, after we consulted a doctor in the city. In the last two months, he has been very weak and frequently vomited. We took him to a clinic, where he was treated for vomiting," said Kumar. "Only a couple of days ago when the boy resumed severe vomiting and collapsed the family rushed him to Al Wasl Hospital, Dubai. Later a CT scan was done at Al Rashid Hospital and he was diagnosed with brain tumour." The shocked and sad father said: “We could have diagnosed his disease earlier, had we took his back pain complaints more seriously. He told us that the backpain could be because he was carrying a heavy school bag.” is mother Vijayalaxmi, housewife, is equally shaterred. Kumar said: "My salary is just Dh4,800 of which Dh1,800 goes for rent to our flat International City. The rest of the salary spend for his education and our regular expenses plus the installment for a home loan of Rs4 million back home. Now we don’t have any money to pay Dh50,000 immediately for his treatment. His teachers from the Indian High School, Dubai have collected a small amount and gave us. We expect more help from the community.” Souav's classmates and friends have also arranged a fund-raising campaign. Immediate surgery is needed to remove the growing brain tumour and afterwards, he needs to undergo chemotherapy. “We cannot take him to India because doctors have adivised that he is not in a stage to travel. He is awake and conscious. The family hails from Mariappally, Kottayam, Kerala. Those who wish to help the oy can contact teh family on 0505726096.