Asim’s Success Story

This is the #SuccessStory of a 2-year-old #CHDWarrior, Asim. He was diagnosed with a Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) called an Atrial Septal Defect #ASD, which is a hole in the wall (septum) between the two upper chambers (atria) of the heart. The hole increases the amount of blood that flows through the lungs. A large, long-standing ASD can damage both the heart and lungs.  

Asim and his family reside in Shigar, a valley in the breathtaking region of Gilgit-Baltistan. Shigar is considered the gateway to the high mountains of the Karakoram. However, the undeniably stunning area did not have the medical facilities needed to treat Asim’s potentially life-threatening condition. 

We at Pakistan Children’s Heart Foundation (PCHF), regularly conduct free-of-cost CHD screening camps in remote areas where the healthcare infrastructure is underdeveloped. At our camp in Shigar, Asim’s family brought him to our team and mentioned the symptoms that he has since birth, which included stomach aches, rapid heart rate etc.  

After a thorough examination, they were told to take him to Lahore for treatment as soon as possible. Taking full advantage of what to them was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, that is exactly what they did. Following their arrival at our head office, all formalities were taken care of and Asim was quickly registered as a patient. 

The procedure that he had to undergo is called an ASD Closure. This is relatively expensive and Asim’s father found it unaffordable. He works as a farmer and solely supports his whole family, which includes his wife and 5 children. Fortunately for him though, we have an incredible donor base and managed to arrange financial support for him in practically no time. 

With the funds secured, Asim’s surgery was scheduled at our world-class Cardiac Care Centre at the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital (ULTH). Dr. Salman Shah, an American Board Certified Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon and PCHF Medical Advisory Board Member, was to carry out the procedure. 

With a brilliant team of healthcare professionals alongside him, Asim’s family was assured that we were doing our utmost to save his life. With our vast experience treating children with CHD, the world’s most common birth defect, all that we needed were the prayers of Asim’s loved ones. 

Following a surgery that required tremendous skill and precision, and that lasted for an immensely difficult few hours for Asim’s family, we were thrilled to inform them that Asim had defeated CHD! What he overcame at such a young age is inspirational and will echo in eternity. 

Asim’s parents, especially his father, were delighted beyond measure with their experience at PCHF. They were particularly impressed with how quickly everything was done. With his son about to be discharged, Asim’s father mentioned to us how he hoped that Asim would go on to become a doctor and help people like PCHF does.  

For CHD affected families, no matter how hard things get, no matter how impossible things may seem, we are here for you. Our goal is to ensure that not a single child suffering from CHD in Pakistan remains untreated. Legendary Pakistani cricketer, Misbah Ul Haq, is also alongside us on our journey to conquering CHD, as a PCHF Board Member. #MySecondInnings #Misbah 

We humbly request you to join hands with us and donate towards child heart treatment or the construction of Pakistan’s first dedicated, state-of-the-art Children’s Heart Hospital & Research Institute (CHHRI). #PlayYourPartSaveLittleHearts #CHD #PCHF #CHHRI #Donate #Charity #Zakat #ConqueringCHD #CHDAwareness