A Little Girl’s Fight for Life At just 2 years old, Issika is facing a battle no child should endure. Diagnosed with recurrent sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT)—a rare tumor—she has already undergone multiple surgeries and rounds of chemotherapy. Despite her courage and the tireless efforts of her family and doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Issika’s journey is far from over. Her latest treatment plan, as of April 2025, requires additional chemotherapy and potentially more procedures to ensure the tumor doesn’t return.

Issika’s Story Issika’s struggle began when she was just one year old, with a swelling in her lower back. After her initial surgery in November 2023, the tumor returned, leading to more chemotherapy and evaluations. Her family has been by her side through every hospital visit, every test, and every moment of uncertainty. Medical records from February to April 2025 show a reduction in tumor markers (AFP levels dropped from 58 to 22 ng/ml), but the journey ahead remains challenging. Issika’s doctors have outlined a plan involving further chemotherapy cycles (like TIP—paclitaxel, ifosfamide, cisplatin) and possibly a high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant (HECT), but the costs are overwhelming for her family.

Why We Need Your Help The financial burden of Issika’s treatment is immense. Her family has already spent everything they have on her care, and the costs for her upcoming treatments, including chemotherapy and potential HECT, are beyond their means. A single hospital bill from April 2025 shows even small payments—like for day care—adding up quickly. Your support can give Issika the chance to continue her fight and live a healthy life.