"When the doctor told me we were having twins, I shed tears of joy. My wife had a miscarriage before, so I thanked God for blessing us with two children. I was excited and worked hard to make sure my babies had everything they might need. The moment they came into this world, one of my babies started fighting for his life. My savings are not enough and even after borrowing a huge amount I am unable to save my baby. Had I knew I was destined to a hapless fate, I would have been more prepared,” - said Tirumalesha, (baby’s father) with tears in his eyes.

Their newborn had heart disease, but it was only one of many obstacles

Lavanya and Tirumalesha were happy to carry their twins home, but on the same night one of their babies had difficulty breathing and could not feed. Worried parents rushed him to the hospital, and the baby boy was immediately admitted in the PICU on ventilator support. After numerous tests and endless waiting, they were told that their newborn was suffering from complex congenital heart disease, a disorder that changes the normal flow of blood in the heart. He needed an immediate surgery to survive.

“My heart sank when I heard the news but I knew I had to act quickly. Along with my savings I borrowed money and fortunately I could afford the surgery. Just when my wife and I thought our little one is out of danger, we were told he had more complications to battle,” - Tirumalesha.

This baby cannot breathe on his own

The 27-day-old baby is suffering from hypotension and bilateral tension pneumothorax, a condition characterized by low blood pressure and air trapped in the lungs. He is currently on Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), a ventilator that provides mild air pressure. The baby needs continued treatment and should be under observation for two weeks.

“As I am mostly confined to bed waiting for delivery stitches to heal, I am able to take care of only one baby and the other is struggling to breathe in the hospital. The only thing I am able to do is pump him a bottle of breastmilk every day. I'm yearning for the day to feed him myself,” - Lavanya.

This desperate father is struggling to save his baby

Tirumalesha works as an executive in a marketing company for a decent income. He always made sure his family had everything needed and had planned to protect the newborns as well. But bad fate had burdened his shoulders. He has spent all his savings of the future and is neck-deep in debt. He is unable to afford the treatment that can save his baby. Without continued ventilator support, the baby cannot survive.

“I’ve done every possible thing to save my baby. I even sold the land I purchased for their future. Now I am left with nothing but tears. I am determined to save my son. Please understand my desperate need and help me save my newborn,” - - Tirumalesha.