'We couldn't save Vanhi, but want to help save other lives'

"When you're waiting in hospital to receive blood, just so that your child can live another day, you feel like you could spend all the money in your pocket to buy that blood from any corner of the world," said Nidhi Kaushik, who is determined to turn the loss of her 2-year-old daughter into a life-saving mission.

It's been four years now since 2 year old Vanhi passed away and her parents want to keep her memory alive through a blood donation drive Source: Supplied

Vanhi passed away three years ago on 9 July 2015, soon after her second birthday, after a brave battle with blood cancer. "She lived with us for 116 weeks, and to mark her third death anniversary, we want to inspire 116 people to donate blood during the month of July this year," said Nidhi Kaushik, speaking to SBS Punjabi.

The Kaushiks were like any other happy migrant family, living their Australian dream in Sydney, when Vanhi was born on April 16, 2013.

"My older daughter Vidhi felt it was her dream come true, when her baby sister was born. We were all very happy," recalls Nidhi.

Suddenly, a diagnosis of leukemia changed everything.

"Vanhi was only 3 months old when she was diagnosed with blood cancer. We were devastated, because we felt this is something that only happens to others or in movies. Not to people like us!"

Vanhi was diagnosed with leukemia when she was 3 months old and passed away soon after her 2nd birthday Source: Supplied

Then began a life-changing journey for the Kaushik family, which meant prolonged stays in Westmead Childrens' Hospital, and several rounds of chemotherapy.

"It's an entirely different world in the oncology ward. Children as little as 1 month old, to 10 -12 year olds, bravely undergo treatment there."

"It's only when you're in there that you realise that 6 new children are admitted to the cancer ward every week - in Westmead hospital alone."

"When you're happy and healthy, you can't even imagine what those children and their families go through."

"In Vanhi's case, she needed a blood transfusion everyday and it was really tough on those days when the right blood type couldn't be sourced, or when emergencies took precedence."

"The doctors were wonderful - they would try to source the blood from wherever possible, but sometimes, Vanhi and many other children like her just had to wait."

Describing what a heart-break it is as for parent, to wait for blood to arrive, Nidhi said, "That's a time you wish you could go to any corner of the world and buy the right kind of blood, just so that your child has another day to live."

"It doesn't matter who you are or how rich you are - money means nothing at that time. Blood is the only thing that helps and your money just can't buy it."

"Vanhi would be lifeless on days she didn't get the blood transfusion - she really needed the platelets and the haemoglobin. And the moment she got the transfusion, it was as if new life would be breathed into her. She would be infused with energy, would smile a lot and make all of us laugh. In fact, she gave us the strength to keep going."

By the time Vanhi was 9 months old she was in remission.

"The cancer was gone and the year 2014 was the best one of our lives. It felt like the leukemia had been a bad dream and we were back to leading a happy life."

Vanhi aged 1, when she was in full remission Source: Supplied

But not for long. Two weeks before Vanhi's second birthday, the family found out her cancer was back.

Vanhi fought through bravely until 9 July 2015, when she passed away due to a cardiac arrest.

Her family has since moved to Armidale (in country NSW) and is looking to turn this tale of personal tragedy into a life saving mission - of inspiring others to donate blood.

"Just 15 minutes of your time spent in donating blood, can save three lives," said Nidhi, painfully aware of what the lack of blood can mean to hospital patients.

"I know many of us donate money to various causes - and that's great. But blood is something money can't buy. And it is something everyone can donate, regardless of whether you're rich or poor."

Her parents remember as Vanhi, the smiling star, who went through numerous chemos and other therapies, with a great big smile Source: Supplied

"We'd like everyone to consider the immense advantages of becoming a blood donor - it is really good for your health to donate blood regularly, it makes you feel good to know that your contribution can make a difference to three lives and, you never know, you maybe in an accident yourself one day and may need blood too." 

To commemorate Vanhi's third death anniversary, the Kaushik family have set up a Red25 blood donation group and are encouraging everyone around Australia to participate.

"Since Vanhi lived with us for 116 weeks, we want 116 blood donors to come forward and donate blood during the month of July."

Blood donors only need to go to their local blood bank (anywhere in Australia) and mention that their blood donation is part of 'Red 25 Vanhi the Smiling Star' drive, to make their contribution.

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