A heartbreaking story is unfolding in western India, where a two-week-old baby girl was abandoned by her parents after being born with a rare skin condition. Arriving prematurely at seven months and weighing only 800 grams (1.7 pounds), she is now under the care of her devoted grandfather, Dilip Dode, who is determined to ensure her survival.
A Grandfather’s Love
Despite the shocking circumstances surrounding her birth, Dilip Dode, 50, has stepped up to care for his granddaughter. Doctors believe she is suffering from Intra-Uterine Growth Retardation (IUGR) along with some chromosomal abnormalities, which contributed to her underdeveloped condition. Expressing his gratitude, Dode thanked the hospital for providing free medical care and vowed to do everything possible to help the infant thrive.
Parents’ Abandonment
Tragically, the newborn’s parents, Mamata and Ajay Dode, both 25, have not visited her during her hospital stay. Initially excited about the arrival of their second child, the couple was reportedly dismayed by the baby’s unusual features and chose to reject her. The grandfather shared that when the family first received the baby, they were shocked by her appearance, and some relatives even fled in fear upon seeing her.
Overcoming Stigma
In a challenging situation, Dode has faced social stigma regarding his granddaughter’s condition. He noted that people in their community are reluctant to hold the baby, fearing they might contract a disease. Nevertheless, Dode remains hopeful and plans to try to persuade her parents to accept their daughter and recognize her worth.
Support from Wadia Hospital
The Wadia Hospital in Mumbai is currently providing the newborn with essential medical care and accommodations for her grandfather, covering costs expected to reach around £5,000. Dr. Minnie Bodhanwala, the hospital’s CEO, mentioned that when the baby first arrived, she was severely dehydrated, but her condition has since improved thanks to medical intervention.
Looking Towards the Future
Medical professionals are committed to discovering the full extent of the baby’s condition and are set to conduct karyotyping—a test to analyze chromosomes—to identify any genetic issues. Dr. Bodhanwala emphasized that the baby will need to remain hospitalized for an extended period, underscoring the seriousness of her situation.
As this young girl fights for her life, her story highlights the critical need for compassion and acceptance for those facing health challenges, especially from their own families. With the unwavering support of her grandfather and the hospital staff, there is hope for a brighter future ahead.
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