Dussehra is a time for families to come together, share traditions, and look ahead to better days. Homes fill with visitors, sweets are passed around, and the festival’s message of hope and new beginnings feels especially close.
But hope looks different from one family to the next. For a family in a hospital corridor, a new beginning may not be a festive gathering. It may be the first day of a long course of treatment, an encouraging word from a doctor after weeks of uncertainty, or the relief of finding a way to pay for the next stage of care. For many of these families, the worry about the illness comes with a second worry: how to afford the treatment.
This Dussehra, the spirit of togetherness is a good reason to think about these families too, because sometimes, a community’s support can help a family take the next step towards a healthy future.
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The Financial Challenges Behind Serious Illness
After the shock of a serious diagnosis, families often find that the hospital bill is only the first of many expenses. Treatment usually continues in stages, and each stage brings its own costs. Surgery, medicines, tests, intensive care, rehabilitation, and follow-up visits keep adding up over time. If the right specialist is in another city, there is travel and a place to stay to think about. And when someone in the family takes time off work to care for the patient, household income often takes a hit as well.
Some of this may be covered. Health insurance can pay for eligible treatments as per the policy terms, and government schemes, hospital concessions and charitable organisations may help eligible patients. But coverage and eligibility differ from case to case, and many families still find a gap between what is covered and what they need to pay.
That gap is hardest to deal with when treatment has to begin quickly or continue for months. Families often have to weigh medical bills against everyday needs like food, housing, and children’s education.
Knowing what help is available is a good place to start. When it still falls short, medical crowdfunding is one more option a family can consider.
Medical Crowdfunding: How Community Support Can Help
Medical crowdfunding gives patients and their families a way to explain their treatment needs and seek financial support beyond their immediate circle. A fundraiser typically outlines the patient’s condition, the proposed treatment, the estimated expenses, and the amount of funding required. Supporting medical documents help potential donors understand the family’s situation and assess the request.
Once the fundraiser is live, families can share it through social media, messaging groups, and personal networks. Friends and relatives may contribute, while others who come across the campaign may choose to help or share it further. This allows people to participate in different ways, whether by donating, spreading awareness, or connecting the family with potential sources of assistance.
Crowdfunding is not a guaranteed source of funding, and the amount raised depends on factors such as the campaign’s reach and people’s ability and willingness to contribute. Families should therefore consider it alongside other options, including health insurance, eligible government schemes, hospital financial assistance and charitable support.
For a real example of how collective support can contribute to expensive medical care, consider the case of Baby Aasmika Das.
How 5.29 Lakh People Helped Baby Aasmika Reach Treatment
Aasmika Das, a baby from West Bengal, was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) Type 1, a serious genetic condition that affects muscle strength and movement. Her treatment involved Zolgensma, a gene therapy that costs several crores of rupees.
With the help of an ImpactGuru campaign, the family raised ₹8.41 crore with contributions from approximately 5.29 lakh donors. She subsequently underwent the gene therapy in Kolkata.
Aasmika’s story shows us how contributions from a large number of people can help a family pursue treatment that might otherwise be financially difficult to access. It also highlights why sharing a fundraiser can matter: people who do not know a patient personally may still choose to support their treatment.
Families considering this option can read our guide on what crowdfunding is and how it works to understand the process and its requirements.
Note: Fundraising results vary. Creating a campaign does not guarantee that the target amount will be raised. Families should assess their options and review the platform’s applicable terms before starting a fundraiser.
How You Can Support a Family This Dussehra
Supporting someone facing medical expenses does not always require a large financial contribution. Below, we have listed several practical ways to help, depending on your circumstances.
- Contribute within your means: If you choose to donate, give an amount that fits your budget. Review the campaign details and never feel pressured to contribute more than you can afford.
- Share a fundraiser: If you cannot help financially, you can still contribute towards the cause by sharing a campaign through WhatsApp, social media, or personal networks. This can help introduce it to potential supporters. Check the campaign details before forwarding it.
- Help families explore assistance: If someone you know is struggling with treatment costs, help them look into eligible government schemes, hospital financial assistance, charitable organisations and medical crowdfunding.
- Offer practical support: Medical treatment can involve repeated hospital visits, paperwork and long periods of caregiving. Helping with everyday responsibilities or checking in regularly can ease some of that burden.
If you wish to contribute, you can explore medical fundraisers on ImpactGuru and review the available information before donating. If a family needs help raising funds, you can also direct them to the platform to learn more about their options.
Taking the Spirit of Dussehra Beyond the Festival
While we celebrate new beginnings this Dussehra, many families are hoping for one of their own: a chance to begin or continue treatment without the constant worry of how to pay for it.
We may not be able to take away the uncertainty that comes with a serious illness, but we can help families find a way forward. Whether through a contribution, sharing a fundraiser, or helping someone explore financial assistance, every act of support can make a difference.
This Dussehra, perhaps the spirit of victory lies in standing beside those facing difficult battles and helping them move one step closer to the care they need.
