Zara’s Success Story
Since inception in 2012, we at Pakistan Children’s Heart Foundation (PCHF) have helped fund 3950 life-saving heart surgeries/interventions. This is the success story of 1-year-old Zara, who was diagnosed with a Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) called Tetralogy Of Fallot (TOF).
In TOF, 4 related heart defects affect blood flow. In most cases, too little blood goes to the lungs. Low-oxygen blood then circulates to the rest of the body and not enough oxygen can reach body tissues. Children with TOF often have cyanosis, a blue or purple tint to the skin, lips and fingernails.
Just a few months after birth, signs and symptoms of CHD started appearing in Zara. Her family thought it was a routine illness but still took her to a doctor for a check-up. To their surprise, they were told that Echocardiography (ECHO), a cardiac ultrasound, was required.
The results of the test revealed the potentially life-threatening condition of her heart and left her parents in enormous distress. Their completely normal lives had suddenly been derailed. They asked about treatment options in their home district of Upper Dir in KPK but found none.
They were told to go visit Dr. Mohammad Asim Khan, a renowned Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon, in Lahore for a consultation. Without any hesitation, they immediately made their way to a whole new city for them and arranged a meeting.
Their hopes were further dented when they were informed of the cost of the surgery required to save Zara’s life. Her father, who works as a labourer, would need financial support. That’s where we came in.
The family was referred to us as Dr. Asim happens to be a PCHF Medical Advisory Board Member. Being among the most experienced organizations in the country when it comes to CHD, we were ready to help.
As we have a remarkable donor base, both individuals and organizations who believe in our mission, arranging the required funds for Zara’s treatment was done in practically no time. All other hospital-related formalities were also swiftly taken care of.
Zara’s heart surgery was scheduled at Ittefaq Hospital (Trust) in Lahore with Dr. Asim carrying out the surgery himself, alongside a world-class team of allied healthcare professionals. In terms of preparation, everything possible had been done and the family was asked to pray for the surgery’s success.
With the highly intricate procedure lasting a few hours, it was a true test of strength and patience for Zara’s loved ones. Following its completion though, we were thrilled to tell them that Zara had overcome unprecedented hardship and defeated CHD! She was now a ‘CHD Warrior’.
Her whole family has a better tomorrow to look forward to now and at the time of discharge, despite the language barrier, expressed how happy they were with their whole experience. We were thankful for their kindness and wished them all a happy life together.
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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