A father has appealed for help to treat his daughter and son who are suffering from skin cancer.

Dilliram Aryal of Malika Rural Municipality-6, Gulmi, said while his 15-year-old son Naresh was being treated at the TU Teaching Hospital in the Capital with the money donated by various individuals and organisations, his 21-year-old daughter Tulasa had not received medical care in a long time.

“Nearly Rs 1.5 million has been spent in their treatment so far. Now I can only afford the hospital bills for my son,” he said.

Of the two siblings battling with cancer, Tulasa’s condition is worse. What began with a small black spot in her cheek when she was just six months old has spread in most part of her body over the years. She has also developed several tumours.

“When we first saw the spot in her cheek we did not make much of it. Cancer was the last thing in our mind, so we did not seek medical help. That small spot has spread aggressively over the years,” Aryal said.

Naresh, meanwhile, is experiencing problem in his hearing. Aryal said he was willing to sell his house and other belongings if his two children could be cured.

After years of care and treatment, neither Tulasa nor Naresh has seen or felt 

any improvement in their conditions. “All the treatment and staying in hospital have only added financial burden,” said Tulasa.

“My family could not treat me and my brother earlier because of financial troubles. Now, I think it is too late to visit the doctor, in my case at least.”

Aryal said he knew the conditions of his two children, but he was not ready to give up yet. “I want to offer both my children the best treatment and care possible,” he said.