Genetic disorder leaves Telangana boy with fingers and toes fused together

Birth defects can make life a challenge for any child and not being able to use one’s hands and legs is next to being paralysed. Although such ailments can be treated surgically, the lack of resources and effective healthcare facilities can add to the trauma of living with such conditions.

Eight-year-old Aswanth from Telangana is going through an ordeal as he suffers from a condition that has caused his fingers and toes to be fused together. The boy is left unable to use his hands and can’t wear shoes due to the genetic disorder which also makes his head grow abnormally large.

His family is desperately trying to get required treatment as they have sold all their belongings to help Aswanth. His father is a lorry cleaner and has parted with jewellery as well as property for suitable diagnosis.

Aswanth suffers from Apert Syndrome and since his condition was fully diagnosed in July he is now in the advanced stages. Although extensive surgery is needed to cure the defects, his parents have run out of resources and can no longer support treatment.

The boy started showing symptoms at the age of three but due to lack of awareness his parents didn’t pay attention and things got worse. Now a villager has started a crowdfunding campaign to help Aswanth out and it has managed to raise Rs 80000 by far.