Ayesha’s Success Story
Since inception in 2012, we at Pakistan Children’s Heart Foundation (PCHF) have funded 3505 life-saving heart surgeries/interventions. This is the success story of 3-year-old Ayesha, who was diagnosed with a Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) called an Atrial Septal Defect (ASD).
An ASD is a hole in the wall (septum) between the two upper chambers (atria) of the heart. This hole increases the amount of blood that flows through the lungs. A large, long-standing ASD can damage both the heart and lungs. Symptoms include irregular heartbeats, fatigue, swelling etc.
Ayesha’s diagnosis was completely unexpected. Her parents noticed that she was having trouble with her speech and therefore took her for a medical checkup. That led to them finding out about her condition. Their lives revolved around little Ayesha and to them it felt like their whole world had turned upside down.
After being taken to multiple doctors and renowned institutions such as the Children’s Hospital Lahore to be evaluated, it was reaffirmed that Ayesha would need heart surgery as soon as possible to survive. The planned treatment, a complex procedure known an ASD Closure, is relatively expensive.
Ayesha’s father, who solely supports his entire family which includes his wife and 3 children, was unable to afford it and was in desperate need of financial support. Along with his wife, he resorted to searching online and luckily for them, that is when they came across our social media profiles.
They discovered that we provide the highest quality of care for children with CHD, irrespective of their financial means. Every year, around 60,000 children are born with CHD in Pakistan, and a large majority of these children are unable to get the treatment required. That is where we step in.
Ayesha’s parents contacted us immediately and following initial consultations, we were able to swiftly schedule her surgery at our very own Cardiac Care Center at the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital (ULTH). Dr. Faiz Rasool was the appointed Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon for her.
A world-class team of healthcare professionals was alongside him and thanks to the incredible work ethic of the rest of the departments at our organization as well, all the preparations were complete. With access to a remarkable donor base, 100 percent of the required funds were also arranged by us.
Ayesha’s loved ones were constantly praying for her health as she was fighting for her life. It was a truly daunting time for them, one that only they could fully describe. Following all the trials and tribulations involved in this process, we would be delighted to ease their anguish.
Thankfully, that is exactly what happened as Ayesha had overcome CHD! Her family was experiencing moments full of absolute bliss as they knew she would now be able to go on and live a normal life with them.
As Ayesha was being discharged as a ‘CHD Warrior’, her family told us how pleased they were with us and how we had inspired them to help Ayesha become a doctor when she grows up. A lasting impact had been made.
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, by helping build the nation’s first dedicated Children’s Heart Hospital & Research Institute (CHHRI), as a PCHF Board Member.
You can also join us and donate towards child heart treatment or hospital construction. Together, let’s do our utmost to save young lives and help shape a brighter future.
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#PCHF #CHHRI #Donate #Charity #Zakat
#PlayYourPartSaveLittleHearts #CHD
