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Urgent: A Plea to Save Baby Anshika | Fight SMA Type-1
My name is Rupak Chakraborty, and I live in Vienna. Today, I write to you not just as a friend, but as a desperate well-wisher of a young family in India whose world has turned upside down.
My dear friend Animesh Mandal, an alumnus of IIEST Shibpur (Batch of 2015), and his wife Bitapi are the parents of a beautiful little girl, Anshika, now only 9 months old.
At just 3 months, Anshika was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1—the most severe form of this cruel genetic disorder. Without immediate treatment, children with SMA Type 1 rarely live beyond their 2nd birthday.
• Follow our journey: https://linktr.ee/anshikafightssma
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What is Happening to Anshika?
SMA Type 1 gradually destroys the motor neurons in her body. This means her muscles are weakening every single day—making it difficult for her to move, swallow, and even breathe.
She currently needs a Nebulizer for breathing support and takes Risdiplam (Evrysdi), an oral medicine costing nearly $2,900 USD per bottle. This medicine can only slow the disease; it cannot cure it.
Each passing day means more motor neurons are lost forever. Time is running out.
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The Ray of Hope: Zolgensma
There is hope. A revolutionary gene therapy called Zolgensma—a single-dose infusion—can stop SMA from progressing by replacing the defective SMN1 gene.
Children who receive Zolgensma early often go on to live normal, healthy lives.
But this miracle comes at a staggering cost: $1.7 million USD (approx. €1.5M / ₹14 crore INR). Even under Novartis’s Early Access Program in India, the price remains around $1 million USD (~₹9 crore INR)—an unimaginable sum for a middle-class family.
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Their Journey So Far
Since the diagnosis, Animesh and Bitapi’s lives have revolved around caring for Anshika—gentle physiotherapy every few hours, repositioning her fragile body, constant breathing support, and sleepless nights watching her chest rise and fall.
And yet, even in the midst of this nightmare, Anshika smiles. She recognizes her parents, she clutches their fingers, she radiates trust and innocence. These moments remind them what they are fighting for: the gift of life itself.
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Why We Need You — Urgently
This is not one family’s battle—it is a call to humanity’s compassion. We must act quickly, as every delay reduces Anshika’s chances.
Here’s how you can help:
1. Donate – Every contribution, big or small, brings Anshika closer to her life-saving treatment.
2. Share – Spread her story far and wide. Awareness is as important as funds.
3. Connect – If you know organizations, foundations, or compassionate individuals, please guide us.
4. Pray – Your blessings give this family the courage to keep fighting.
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In Closing
As Animesh and Bitapi sit beside their baby’s crib tonight, they cling to one hope—that the kindness of people like you will give Anshika a second chance at life.
We promise that not a single effort or donation will go in vain. Every bit of support will be directed to saving her life. But we cannot do this alone.
• Donate & Share:
• Follow our journey: https://linktr.ee/anshikafightssma
Together, let us create a miracle for Anshika.
From the depths of our hearts, thank you for caring. Thank you for believing in the value of one precious life. Together, let’s give baby Anshika the gift of tomorrow.
With profound gratitude and hope,
Rupak Chakraborty
(On behalf of Animesh Mandal and Bitapi Mandal)
Organizer
