“A complete mischief maker, the school was always calling with complaints. But you know how kids are? She was a very smart and talented girl, I miss my little Raziel” breaks down Mrs.Rosy Silveira
Raziel Silveira was a 3 year old girl, who was dealt a very unfair hand in life. But she took it in stride and fought it very bravely, says her doting yet heartbroken mother.
“She loved watching TV with her little sister. Would try to imitate all the dance steps from videos, I was happy because it kept them busy & I could get work done in peace, those little noise makers.”
“She was very excited to participate in her class dance for the school’s Annual Day, it was just before the summer holidays.”
Young Raziel few months before she was diagnosed
For most kids, the end of school and beginning of summer holidays, is a time of joy. But for the Silveira family, 2018 had different plans in store. Just a day after the holidays began, Raziel came down with a high fever. Concerned, her family consulted the local doctor but when it persisted for another 8 days, they got worried. They rushed to Goa Medical College, who at the onset continued treating her for a fever but then also started investigating for signs of Malaria. With a few continued days of ambiguity, the doctors suggested they go to Bombay to get additional tests done.
The emotion turmoil of seeing your child struggling and the financial strain of tests & travel. But the family endured & made the trip, hoping to get more clear answers on their daughter’s health. Tata Memorial in Bombay with its thousands of patients, can be an intimidating place. Due to a communication gap, the family was only able to get 3 of the 5 important tests done. Those tests itself ended up being the bearer of unfortunate news, that it wasn’t just a fever that was dampening Raziel’s spirit, but blood cancer instead.
Raziel always loved Minnie Mouse
What followed was 2.5 months of unnerve, prayers, uncertainty, treatment, family visits & transfusions, 14 to be precise – more than a lot of adults handle.
“Even a hospital ward, couldn’t dampen Raziel’s spirit though, she would be happily splashing in her bath before chemo and never missed changing her nail paint before each session” says Lourdes Soares from Sabre, who the family recounts was an immense source of support in helping them understand the diagnosis better and get the necessary information.
As the days went by, Raziel grew thinner and so did her cheerful & bright spirit.
What was once happy playtime break with her sister, now felt like a strenuous exercise. The fear of contracting infections had her wired to needles, tying her down physically and eventually, mentally.
Raziel with her sister Sybil
Her mother made every effort to keep her spirits up, be it through coloring or watching her favorite Shiva cartoons together in the ward.
Despite best efforts from the family, with a weak immune system, Raziel soon contracted an infection. The only option of treatment being, which wreaked further havoc and left burn scars on her skin.
Her condition began deteriorating to the point of needing a ventilator. Murphy’s law coming into play – the only two pediatric ventilators were already in use and Raziel needed to be transferred to another hospital.
The trip ended up taking a toll and Raziel passed away on May 25th 2018.
“My days were always busy with these two girls, they were always either playing together or fighting with each other. Their father used to take them to the park to play every Sunday.
She still cries, she misses her sister a lot.”
How does one return to normalcy after losing your own little girl?
Raziel with her best friend
“It’s been a tough year, I keep myself busy by volunteering with the Santa Cruz Church Parish. We have a lot to be grateful to them for” says Mrs.Silveira. The family was slapped with a hefty bill from the use of the ventilator. During the time, the entire Parish came set up a money collection drive and helped them clear the debt.
It’s heartwarming to witness an entire community coming together for a family in adversity.