This is the success story of Fariha, a 12-year-old ‘Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) Survivor’. She was diagnosed with a CHD called an Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), in which there is a hole that occurs in the septum (wall) that separates the heart’s upper chambers (atria).
The hole increases the amount of blood that flows through the lungs. A large, long-standing ASD can damage both the heart and lungs. An ASD is potentially life-threatening and symptoms include breathing difficulties, frequent lung infections, skipped heartbeats etc.
Fariha’s family is from Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), a region in northern Pakistan renowned for its breathtaking mountain landscapes. Her father works as a teacher and is the sole breadwinner in a family of 6.
When Fariha started to show signs and symptoms of CHD, she was taken to a local hospital. After undergoing an Echocardiography (ECHO), which is a cardiac ultrasound, the presence of her potentially life-threatening heart condition was confirmed.
Her family members, who had all been living a normal life together, were absolutely devastated. Their lives had taken a turn for the worst. They were also told that the treatment required to treat Fariha was not available in their hometown.
Searching for treatment options, they eventually made their way to Lahore where they met Dr. Salman Shah, a renowned Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon. That is when they learned the estimated cost of the procedure needed to save Fariha’s life.
Fariha’s father told Dr. Shah that he could not arrange most of the funds and after listening to their whole ordeal, Dr. Shah referred him to our organization. When all hope seemed lost, this was the moment everything started to change for the family.
Since inception in 2016, with the support of our generous donor base, we have financially supported over 800 child heart procedures. With years of experience behind us, we are best suited to help deserving families in Pakistan trying to overcome the challenge of CHD.
When Fariha’s family contacted us, we called them in for a meeting and very quickly evaluated the case. Her father, very admirably, told us that he would also be able to contribute some funds towards the surgery.
With all other formalities also taken care of, we were happy to tell the family that Fariha’s heart surgery had been scheduled at the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital (ULTH). A brilliant team of CHD healthcare professionals was on board for the procedure called an ASD Closure.
As Fariha was about to go in for surgery and fight for her life, her family was told that she was in the best of hands. Their trials and tribulations were approaching an end. In the final stretch, they were asked to pray, remain calm and leave the rest to us.
A few very difficult hours later, we were thrilled to inform Fariha’ family that she had overcome CHD! She was now a ‘CHD Survivor’. Her case, like hundreds of others before her, shows the true power of coming together.
All her loved ones who were present were told that now they could go back to living normal lives together, filled with happiness and special moments. They were thankful to our entire team and wished us continued success. These are the points in time that ensure that our devotion towards transforming lives of CHD affected families remains unwavering.
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/
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#EveryLifeMattersEveryChildMatters #PCHFNA
