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“She’s had breathing troubles ever since she was born, and so, at first, I thought she would be okay after taking medicines. But it was more than just that... One minute she was in my arms, and the next, I was looking at her lying in a hospital bed, through a glass window.” - Fathima, mother
She had to be rushed to the hospital when she began gasping for breath
Earlier this month, 2-year-old Ayesha ran a high fever that eventually caused her oxygen levels to drop. They rushed her to a local hospital, where they learned that her pulse rate had also dropped drastically. But, this hospital wasn't equipped to treat her and so, Ayesha had to be taken to a bigger hospital, 55 kms away from the family’s hometown.“Immediately on arrival, she was wheeled off into the ICU and put on a ventilator. This is the most difficult thing I’ve had to endure, as a parent - watching helplessly as my child lay on a hospital bed, struggling to breathe. The doctors told us that she had pneumonia which was triggering her respiratory problem.” - Ajmeer, father
She’s suffered with breathing problems since her birth
It started right from the minute she was born. While she was delivered through c-section, Ayesha had swallowed some of the amniotic fluid in the womb. She underwent a procedure where the water was drained out through her nose, but it left her with lifelong breathing difficulties.“We were strictly advised to never let her consume cold food or drinks, and also to be extremely careful during chilly weathers. If she were to get even a small cold, it could cause her a lot of problems. All this time, we had heeded the doctor’s words. I don't know where we went wrong that my baby has to suffer like this.” - Fathima.
Her fear is setting back her progress
Despite the occasional breathing troubles she would have to endure, Ayesha was rather active and energetic. But she was a slow learner and a little late to achieve her growth milestones, as compared to other kids her age. She is also rather meek and gets frightened of things very easily.“She knows what’s happening to her, and she has a sense of fear towards her condition. Even though the doctors say she’s improving a lot, she’s not quite reassured. She doesn’t like being in the hospital and hates the beeping sounds of the machines. She's terribly scared and that is holding her back from getting better.” - Fathima
Only an auto driver, he cannot bear his daughter’s medical expenses
Ayesha needs to remain in the hospital for a few more days to recover, but the treatment will cost her parents INR 8 lakhs.“I am an autorickshaw driver, earning only 200 - 300 rupees on a good day. I have to support my 4-member family, and affording my baby’s expensive treatment costs is next to impossible for me. I’m already in debt after borrowing loans from moneylenders, and I even sold my wife's jewellery to pay off some outstanding medical bills. Now I have nothing left and I’m failing miserably to save my baby… What should I do?” - Ajmeer
With all their resources exhausted, these parents are struggling to continue their daughter’s treatment. You can help little Ayesha recover, and return home healthy and happy. Click here to donate.
