Bareera’s Success Story
Since inception in 2012, we at Pakistan Children’s Heart Foundation (PCHF), have financially supported 4,414 child heart surgeries. This is the success story of 4-year-old Bareera, who was diagnosed with a Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) called Pulmonary Stenosis (PS).
Blood going from the heart to the lungs goes through the pulmonary valve, with the purpose being to prevent blood from flowing back to the heart. In pulmonary stenosis this opening is too narrow, leading to a reduction of flow of blood to the lungs. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations etc.
When Bareera initially started experiencing signs and symptoms of CHD, her parents took her to see a local doctor in their home city of Attock, which is near the nation’s capital, Islamabad. Not having a clue about the underlying condition, they were soon to get the shock of their lives.
After a thorough medical examination, the doctor recommended an Echocardiography (ECHO), which is a cardiac ultrasound, as he suspected CHD. Unfortunately for Bareera and her family, the tests confirmed the presence of PS, which was potentially life-threatening.
Bareera’s family could not believe the news that had hit them. Completely shook and scared, they needed help. To add to their woes was the fact that they were informed about the relatively expensive treatment that was needed to save Bareera’s life.
Bareera’s father works as a teacher and solely supports his family of 5, which includes his wife, son and 2 daughters. He needed financial support for the required heart surgery and was asked to visit Dr. Asim Khan, a renowned Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon based in Lahore.
He made his way to Lahore immediately and met Dr. Khan, who happens to be a PCHF Medical Advisory Board Member. Once he heard the case, he told Bareera’s father not to worry and to visit PCHF, a premier charitable organization in the field of CHD.
After being distressed for so long, now Bareera’s parents had a source of genuine hope. They contacted us and after meeting our team, were informed that we would most definitely do our utmost to save their daughter’s life. They were so pleased to hear this.
As we are blessed with a generous donor base, both organizations and individuals who believe in our cause, the funds for Bareera’s heart surgery were arranged in practically no time. Hospital related formalities were also taken care of the surgery was scheduled at Ittefaq Hospital (Trust) in Lahore.
A world-class team of CHD healthcare professionals was on board for the complex procedure known as a Total Correction. Bareera’s father was also able to contribute towards the cost of the treatment. As she went in for surgery, her loved ones were told that she was in safe hands. All they had to do now was stay strong and pray for Bareera.
The hours that followed were extremely difficult for Bareera’s family, but thankfully, after the procedure was complete, we were thrilled to inform them that the surgery was a resounding success! Bareera was now a ‘CHD Warrior’. Long journeys often culminate in heartwarming moments and this was definitely one of them.
The happiness of Bareera’s loved ones knew bounds and they were grateful beyond measure to us. Together, they would all be able to live a normal life and this was something they were looking forward to the most at the time of discharge. As they left, they wished us continued success in all our projects and as always, we appreciated the kind words.
For CHD affected families, no matter how hard things get, no matter how impossible things may seem, we at PCHF – charity you can trust with all your heart, are here for you. Our goal is to ensure that not a single child born with 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, as a PCHF Board Member.
You can join us as well 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. Play your part, save little hearts: https://pchf.org.pk/donate/
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#ACharityYouCanTrustWithAllYourHeart
