This is the success story of Ayesha, a 5-year-old ‘Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) Survivor’. She was diagnosed with a CHD called a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), in which there is a hole that occurs in the septum (wall) that separates the heart’s lower ventricles (chambers) and allows blood to pass from the left to the right side of the heart.
The oxygen-rich blood then gets pumped back to the lungs instead of out to the body, causing the heart to work harder. A VSD is potentially life-threatening, and symptoms include shortness of breath, frequent respiratory infections, paleness etc.
Ayesha had a symptom called cyanosis, the medical term for when your skin, lips or nails turn blue due to a lack of oxygen in your blood. She also used to experience fatigue along with having breathing problems. Her family, naturally worried for their daughter’s health, took her for a check-up in their hometown of Faisalabad.
After a thorough examination, an echocardiography (ECHO), which is a cardiac ultrasound, was recommended. The results of this test confirmed what the doctors had suspected, Ayesha had a potentially life-threatening CHD. Her parents were told that treatment was needed as soon as possible, otherwise there was a genuine danger of loss of life.
The family was also informed about the estimated cost of the heart surgery required to save Ayesha’s life. Adding to their already distressful state, they found it unaffordable and needed financial support. They were then told to meet with our organization.
Wasting absolutely no time, they contacted us immediately and were able to schedule a meeting. Once we met with Ayesha’s father, who told us about his financial state and how he was the sole breadwinner of his family, we saw how much he viewed us a source of hope and swiftly started our proceedings to ensure the best possible treatment for Ayesha.
Since inception in 2016, with the support of our exceptional donor base, both individuals and organizations that believe in our cause, we have financially supported 600+ life-saving child heart surgeries. Being a premier organization in the field of CHD, we were going to do our utmost to save Ayesha’s life as well.
The funds needed for the surgery were arranged in practically no time and the procedure, called a VSD Closure, was scheduled at Bahria International Hospital Orchard (BIHO) in Lahore. A world-class team of CHD healthcare professionals was also on board.
Ayesha’s family was assured that she was in great hands and given our tremendous experience, had nothing to worry about. All they had to do now was pray for Ayesha to come out from this as a ‘CHD Survivor’.
They remained a symbol of strength throughout Ayesha’s fight and once her heart surgery was complete, we were thrilled to inform them that she had overcome CHD! The surgery was a resounding success and her loved ones were truly elated. We had turned out to become the key to their happiness.
At the time of discharge, Ayesha’s family, especially her mother, mentioned how grateful they all were to our entire team and when it comes to our mission, they wished nothing but the best for our organization. We appreciate these kind words and consider them a true source of motivation.
1 in 100 children are born with CHD, the world’s most common birth defect. We hope that these stories inspire even more people to contribute towards our cause so that we can continue shaping a brighter future for affected children and their families. We are genuinely leaving no stone unturned for them. Every life matters, every child matters.
Join us on our journey to conquering CHD in Pakistan by donating now towards child heart surgeries or the construction of Pakistan’s first dedicated Children’s Heart Hospital & Research Institute at: https://pchfna.kindful.com/
#SuccessStory #CHDSurvivor #VSD
#EveryLifeMattersEveryChildMatters #PCHFNA
