What was the family's state of mind when they decided to visit Shirdi, and how did Sai Baba respond to their desperate plea?

The family of the doctor's nephew was in a state of complete desperation and exhaustion. As described in Chapter 34, they had watched the young boy suffer immensely from a bone-cyst that no doctor or surgeon could cure. Having tried all medical and spiritual options without success, they felt helpless and saw no way out. The decision to go to Shirdi was a final act of hope, a last resort to avert the calamity. Upon arriving, they prostrated before Sai Baba and, with choked voices and pitiful faces, pleaded for his help. Sai Baba, referred to as the embodiment of compassion, responded with immediate reassurance. He told them to be free of worry and famously declared that those who seek shelter in his Masjid shall never face downfall, before giving them the curative Udi for the boy's wound.