Bengaluru:
For four-year-old Aryan Prajwal, each day begins and ends with an insulin injection — a routine he has followed since being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just nine months old. But this Diwali brought a reason to celebrate: Aryan received a bicycle, his long-time wish, from the Make-A-Wish Foundation at the Karnataka Institute of Endocrinology and Research (KIER).
Like Aryan, 24 children aged between 3 and 17 years, many from underprivileged families, had their festive wishes granted on Friday. All of them live with Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune condition in which the body produces little or no insulin, creating lifelong dependence on external insulin.
Wishes fulfilled with smiles
Most of the children were diagnosed before the age of five and have adapted to taking insulin three to four times a day using injector pens. Several have learned to self-administer doses, even during school hours before lunch. Doctors at KIER emphasise that with proper care, diet, and regular monitoring, these children can lead active, healthy lives.
When representatives from the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Bangalore Chapter visited KIER to interact with the young patients, bicycles emerged as the most common wish. Many children said they wanted to ride with friends, exercise, or help their parents with small chores.
Older children expressed a desire for laptops and tablets to aid in their studies, while one wished for a remote-controlled car. As the gifts were handed over, the hospital courtyard was filled with excitement — some children began riding their new bicycles right away, their faces lighting up with joy.
“Getting these gifts helps instil a sense of positivity in children. Research shows that wish-granting can increase adherence to treatment,”
said Dr. Santhosh O.S., Associate Professor, Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, KIER.
Support and strength through community
KIER’s paediatric endocrinology wing treats children with Type 1 diabetes from across Karnataka. The hospital has become a space not just for treatment but also for emotional support, helping families realise they are not alone in navigating the condition.
“My daughter, who is 10, suddenly started losing weight, and after many tests, we learnt she had diabetes. We had never seen anyone her age with it and were very worried. But here, we saw many kids in the same situation. That gave us courage,”
said Venkata Swamy, who travelled from Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) with his daughter.
Similarly, Radhamma from Nelamangala recalled the shock when her 13-year-old daughter was hospitalised for fatigue and rapid weight loss eight months ago.
“We were referred here, and now we have more knowledge to deal with the disease and empower my daughter. We come here every three months,” she said.
Hope beyond treatment
For many families, the event symbolised more than the fulfilment of a child’s wish. It served as a reminder that care, empathy, and joy are vital parts of healing. The Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children battling critical illnesses, aims to strengthen their morale and emotional well-being — a goal that complements the medical care provided at KIER.
Doctors emphasised that early diagnosis, regular insulin administration, and supportive family environments can help children with Type 1 diabetes live full, productive lives.
As Aryan rode his new bicycle around the hospital courtyard, his laughter echoed the spirit of Diwali — a celebration of light, resilience, and hope.