Zailian Kaipeng: A Story of Courage and Compassion.

Activity Serial No: LPT/ASN-1/001 | Project Type: Medical Treatment | Beneficiary: Zailian Kaipeng, 2 years old | Beneficiary Details: Father: Nerbanglal Kaipeng, 28 years and Mother: Chengmaite Kaipeng, 25 years | Address: Village – Nupangrumba | PS – Twidu | Sub-Div – Amarpur | Dist – Gomati | State – Tripura | India | Beneficiary Number: 2

Zailian Kaipeng, a 2-year-old boy residing in the remote northeastern state of Tripura, was grappling with a distressing eye swelling resembling a tennis ball. His family’s dire financial situation, coupled with his parents’ meager daily earnings as laborers, left them unable to afford medical assistance for their son. Zailian’s father had even attempted to fund treatment by selling their cow for 30,000 rupees, but this proved insufficient.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, our team swiftly made a compassionate decision to support this financially disadvantaged family in securing medical treatment for Zailian. We initiated a public fundraising campaign using Mr. Sajal Debbarma’s personal bank account, given our absence of an organization-specific account at that time.

Simultaneously, a heartfelt plea for donations was posted on Mr. Sajal’s Facebook profile, eliciting generous contributions from kind-hearted individuals. Additionally, we learned of Cover Asia Press (India), a Delhi-based press agency, initiating a crowdfunding campaign for Zailian Kaipeng, amassing approximately 16 lakhs in donations.

On September 30, 2017, we urgently admitted Zailian to the Regional Cancer Center in Agartala due to his severe pain and suffering. He was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), a rare form of cancer, prompting doctors to recommend his transfer outside the state for specialized treatment.

On October 4, 2017, a representative from Cover Asia Press arrived in Agartala, establishing contact with the patient’s family and our team. Zailian’s critically low haemoglobin levels and platelet counts necessitated daily blood transfusions. Our team arranged and donated approximately 11 units of blood, with contributors including Dr. Subrata Debbarma, Mr. Samir Debbarma, and Mr. Vanlalmoi Kaipeng.

Following the necessary paperwork and official referrals, Zailian was transferred on October 12, 2017, to Artemis Hospital in Gurugram, Delhi, under the guardianship of our NGO and CAP.

During his stay at Artemis Hospital, Zailian’s health exhibited daily improvements. His eye swelling subsided, and he regained his ability to play and sing. Consequently, Zailian was discharged from the hospital and accommodated in a nearby hotel to continue his medical treatment.

However, tragically, in the third week of September 2017, Zailian contracted pneumonia and was readmitted to the ICU at Artemis Hospital. On November 25, 2017, a devastating cardiac arrest claimed his life, leaving behind his grieving father and grandmother.

Subsequently, CAP coordinated the arrangements for the repatriation of Zailian and his family to Tripura. Our organization took charge of receiving the cargo at Agartala airport and facilitated Zailian’s Christian burial in accordance with his family’s wishes, with the presence of our dedicated volunteers.

In memory of Zailian Kaipeng, our organization resolved to support his elder brother, Reangdom Kaipeng, in pursuing his education. We provided educational sponsorship, and he was enrolled in KGII at Monthforth HS School, Champaknagar, Tripura. The sponsorship funds were generously provided by Mrs. Eshita Tripura, an employee of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) as an Assistant General Manager. Reangdom was also provided hostel accommodation, arranged in consultation with his parents and the school authorities.

This project stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to extend a helping hand to those in need and to create a brighter future for the children of Tripura. Through this undertaking, we have gained invaluable experience that will guide us in our future endeavours.