Nishchal’s story begins at R. M. Kedia Eye Hospital in Birgunj, Nepal where he was first taken by his parents (who apparently came from India) for eye check-up when he was about nine months old. He was diagnosed with Paediatric Retinoblastoma in both eyes. Retinoblastoma is an eye cancer that begins in the retina and is most commonly found in young children. In less developed countries Retinoblastoma in children is a life threatening disease with overall survival rates being 70% while it exceeds 95% in developed countries. It is really disheartening to know that his parents abandoned him near the Eye Hospital on hearing about his condition. Maybe they were too overwhelmed and could not accept the fact that he would need surgery to remove both his eyes. Many parents find it extremely difficult to deal with disability.
