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“Each time we took him to the doctor, we were told there was nothing to worry about. With how frequently he fell ill, I knew it was anything but normal. I can’t count the number of hospitals we approached for answers, in the last 10 months. And now, finally, when we know what’s wrong with him, we don’t have the means to save him.” - Dhanalakshmi, mother
He was born with a severe heart defect and it hinders his breathing
For months, little Vishruth has been battling a rare congenital heart defect called corrected transposition of the great arteries. But the 10-month-old's parents were unaware of it until quite recently, when an extremely high fever triggered his breathing problems, and his pulse rate dropped drastically.“They had detected his breathing problems while he was still in the womb, so he was born through a c-section. But they said everything was normal and we were allowed to take him home. Then, he started running high fevers frequently - like thrice a month. It was rather alarming, and we knew something was wrong. Yet everywhere we went, none of the doctors could determine the cause of the problem. It was only recently that we learned about his heart defect at a bigger hospital, and we just couldn’t believe it...” - Sakthivel, father
Only a surgical procedure can save his life
Corrected transposition of the great arteries is a condition where the heart’s lower two pumping chambers, or the ventricles, are reversed in their positions. It has, in turn, caused Vishruth severe respiratory issues. If left untreated, his condition could lead to congestive heart failure and ultimately, death. Vishruth urgently needs to undergo open heart surgery, but the cost, approximately INR 10 lakhs, is an impossible sum for his poor parents to afford.
With no money nor any support from their family, they are struggling to save their baby
Sakthivel and Dhanalakshmi tied the knot over 5 years ago against the wishes of their respective families, who cut them off completely. The couple and their two children have no one to rely on, but themselves and each other, in their difficult times.“Our families have long abandoned us and refuse to pick up our phone calls. Now as our baby is fighting for his life with every breath in his body, there is no one we can turn to in our hour of need… We’re in a tight spot with no money or support, fearing for our child’s life.” - Dhanalakshmi
Sakthivel used to work in a shoe manufacturing company and, as the sole breadwinner of the family, he earned about INR 10,000 as his monthly income. But lately, with his son’s condition deteriorating, he hasn’t been able to work at all. They are even forced to travel back and forth between their hometown and the hospital, which is about 315 kilometers away.
“I have spent everything I had and even sold a small piece of land that I owned, but that wasn’t even close to the amount we needed! He needs to undergo this procedure within the next two months, or we could lose him to his defective heart. Yet, it is so far beyond my reach. I’ve done all I could in my power to save my son, now I don’t know what to do. I am failing miserably…” - Sakthivel
Without your help, these parents could lose their son. This surgery is the only way Vishruth can live a long and happy life, and your contributions can make that happen for him. Click here to donate.
