Mahendra Ahirwar, 12, from Madhya Pradesh in central India, suffers from a rare condition that makes his neck bend and his head hang from his body.
His weak backbone means he can't stand or walk and is restricted to a sitting position. Mahendra can just about crawl but needs help to eat and go to the toilet.
His father Mukesh Ahirwar, 40, and mother Sumitra Ahirwar, 35, who both work as labourers when they can, say they have consulted more than 50 doctors across India but none could diagnose his condition.
‘I cannot see him suffer anymore,' said Sumitra. 'Watching his life is devastating.
'He cannot do anything by himself. He just sits in a corner of the room all day. It's no life.'
She added: 'I have to carry him like a baby everywhere but he is 12 years old, how will I carry him when he grows even older?'