Imran’s Success Story
Since inception in 2012, we at Pakistan Children’s Heart Foundation (PCHF) have helped fund 3898 life-saving heart surgeries/interventions. This is the success story of 10-year-old Imran, 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.
Several months prior to surgery, Imran had some breathing problems that led to his parents taking him to a local doctor in their hometown of Sahiwal. After being properly checked and undergoing a few tests, his heart condition was revealed.
Imran’s family was told to immediately take him to the renowned Children’s Hospital in Lahore for treatment. However, once they got there, they were informed that Imran would need life-saving heart surgery and that the waiting time was 3-4 years.
This left Imran’s parents devastated and in their search for more options, they met Dr. Faiz Rasool, a Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon, who also happens to be a PCHF Medical Advisory Board Member. They made an urgent plea for help and he was happy to offer his expert advice.
Working as a tailor who solely supports his entire family, Imran’s father needed financial support and was referred to us. We are among the leading organizations in the field of CHD and were ready to step in to save his son’s life.
Following an initial meeting and quick patient registration process, we were able to schedule Imran’s heart surgery at one of our partner hospitals, the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital (ULTH). Dr. Rasool was to carry out the procedure himself with a brilliant team of healthcare professionals alongside him.
All formalities were taken care of and the required funds for the surgery were also swiftly arranged as we are blessed with an incredible donor base, both individuals and organizations who believe in our cause. We will always be thankful beyond measure to them.
As the time for surgery drew near, the true test of strength for both Imran and his family started. They were hoping and praying for the best. As far as preparations went, we had done everything possible.
The intricate procedure lasted a few hours, which were undoubtedly very difficult for all of Imran’s loved ones. Once it was complete though, we were thrilled to tell them that it was a resounding success! Imran was now a ‘CHD Warrior’.
At the time of discharge, there was a truly special moment in which Imran realised that he could finally go home with his family and live a normal life with them. His whole family felt eternally grateful and as they left, Imran’s father said that he hoped we would continue to give new beginnings to children with CHD.
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 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 (CHHRI), 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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