Little Fahim Ahmed once filled his home with laughter, bringing light and joy to his family.

But that happiness faded abruptly when the five-year-old was diagnosed with blood cancer, turning his early childhood into a long battle for survival.

Fahim is the only child of Mizanur Rahman, a mobile mechanic, and Fancy Akhter of Taluk Asaru village in Chakirpashar union under Rajarhat upazila in Kurigram.

About a year ago, tests at the capital’s Bangladesh Medical University (PG Hospital) confirmed that Fahim was suffering from blood cancer. From that moment, the family’s life changed completely.

In a desperate attempt to save their only child, Mizanur Rahman sold his small shop and all household belongings.

He also took a loan of Tk 5 lakh from an NGO and later mortgaged his house to raise another Tk 6 lakh.

Despite these efforts, the family has already spent around Tk 25 lakh on Fahim’s treatment, largely with support from relatives and well-wishers.

After nearly 10 months of treatment, Fahim is showing signs of improvement. Doctors have said that if treatment continues for another one and a half years, he may fully recover and return to normal life.

However, the family is now struggling to bear the cost of ongoing chemotherapy and essential medicines, estimated at Tk 5–6 lakh—an amount far beyond their means.

“We have sold everything for our grandson’s treatment. Now we have nothing left,” said Fahim’s grandfather Abbas Ali. “I am old and sick myself, and we are helpless.”

Fahim’s father Mizanur Rahman said his son is close to recovery but needs continued treatment. “If we can manage treatment for a few more months, he may be cured. But we have nothing left. I am seeking help from kind-hearted people,” he said.

His mother Fancy Akhter, fighting back tears, said her son often asks when he can go to school and play like other children. “That question breaks my heart every time,” she said.

Fahim himself, in a soft voice, said, “I am sick. Please pray for me so I can go to school.”

The family has appealed to the public and philanthropists for financial assistance to continue Fahim’s life-saving treatment.