Donation protected
Namaste,
My name is Apeal Paudel, and I am a freelance musician based in Kathmandu, Nepal. I’m reaching out today, not for my music, but for something far more urgent. My childhood friend has been diagnosed with Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML)—a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer—and he urgently needs financial support for his treatment.
Over the past two years, I have been saving diligently to work on my debut album. Thanks to scholarships from my undergraduate studies and a stipend from the OneBeat 14 Fellowship—where I was honored to represent Nepal in the USA—I have managed to save $750 to date. But today, I realize that music can wait—saving a life cannot. As an ethnomusicology student, I’ve always believed that music is more about people than art itself. And now, I’m asking for your compassion and generosity to help my friend in this critical moment.
Suman Shrestha grew up in a modest family of four, yet he stands out as one of the most hardworking and kind-hearted people I know. We grew up together, and his mother, Maya Shrestha, played such a significant role in raising my sister and me that, whenever someone asked my sister who her real mother was, she would tearfully struggle to choose between her biological mother and Maya.
In search of better opportunities, Suman moved to the Cayman Islands on January 7, 2024, carrying the heavy burden of a large loan ($10000) on his and his family’s shoulders. He was doing well financially until a routine health screening at work revealed he had some blood-related abnormalities (increased WBCs). Unable to afford treatment there, he returned to Nepal (May 27, 2024) and was admitted to the Blood Hospital in Lalitpur where he was diagnosed with CMML.
Though he has been in and out of the hospital and on medication (hydroxyurea 500mg q.i.d) for a few months, the side effects are taking a severe toll on his health. We can’t afford to wait any longer— full-fledged chemotherapy needs to begin immediately. A stem cell transplant is also necessary, which is why we’re trying to raise funds.
Every contribution, no matter the size, can make a life-changing difference. And if you can’t donate, simply sharing this message or keeping him in your prayers (yes, I believe it helps) would mean the world.
Let’s come together to give my friend a fighting chance.
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With gratitude,
Apeal
Co-organizers (1)
Ashina Pradhan
Organizer
Carlton, NSW
Apeal Paudel
Co-organizer