Arvind was suffering greatly until the Prem Sewa Hospital palliative care team found him. At just 33 years of age, he was dying from oral cancer.

The team was able to relieve much of his pain and dress his large facial wound, making him more comfortable. They taught Arvind’s wife, Suman, the best way to prepare his food.

In between caring for her husband and elderly mother-in-law, Suman goes to the nearby fields to work peeling sugarcane so that she can earn something for the family. The couple’s 12-year-old son went to live in the city with his uncle so he can earn money to send home. He washes cars and works in shops, and recently sent 13,000 rupees ($150), a huge sum, home to his parents.

Suman is so grateful for the support and the medication provided by the PC team. She was initially hesitant to learn how to dress his gaping wound, but with the gentle persistence and encouragement of the team, is now an expert. Suman said to the team through her tears, “If you had not been there to care for us, we would have had no hope. The only time I feel the freedom to weep and unburden myself is with you, because you take the time to listen to me.”