His mother, Meerim, recounts that vaccinations against measles began at one year old, while Alinur contracted the disease at six months. "I heard about possible complications, but he recovered quickly and continued to develop. We had no idea that the consequences could manifest years later," she recalls.
The first alarming symptoms became noticeable in 2023. Just a few days before his fifth birthday, Alinur began complaining of severe headaches, and shortly after that, he lost the ability to speak.
“We had to be hospitalized in the neurology department of the 3rd Children's Hospital. Tests showed brain swelling, and doctors suggested a diagnosis of 'epilepsy.' During treatment, he began to lose function in his limbs. We spent a month and ten days in the hospital, but we were discharged because they could not help,” his mother shares her worries.
Alinur had measles at six months old. The consequence of the virus is a rare brain disease.
The family did not immediately realize that the problem was related to the previously contracted measles. At first, they consulted many well-known pediatric neurologists in Bishkek, and then decided to seek help in India.
“Doctors held consultations, and none of them took on the treatment. After we realized that they could not help us here, we contacted foreign specialists and flew to India, where a precise diagnosis was made and the correct treatment began,” Meerim recounts.
Alinur has been undergoing treatment for two years, and his family hopes for a miracle – for him to live without pain and to restore his motor and speech functions.
Meerim cannot hold back her tears: “I gave birth to a healthy child who grew up active and sociable. But now he is confined to bed. This disease has destroyed my son's life and our entire family's.”
Alinur had measles at six months old. The consequence of the virus is a rare brain disease.
Every month, treatment and rehabilitation cost the family about $1,500. Alinur's father works as a taxi driver, while his mother has to stay home because he needs constant care. The government pays her about 8,000 soms as a caregiver for a person with a disability, and Alinur receives the same amount due to his diagnosis.
Meerim shares: “We sold almost everything we could to help our son. We started a fundraising campaign when there was nothing left to sell and no one to ask. I hope that the people of Kyrgyzstan will understand our situation and provide support,” she says, holding back tears.
I really want my son to live and not know pain.
