Sufiyan is now 4 months old, but his fight with death began even before he came into this world. My son was born prematurely. He has been suffering ever since. His lungs were underdeveloped at the time, and if we had not moved him to a private hospital, I would have lost him that day. I might lose him even now.

Even at birth, my son was struggling to breathe

My name is Mohammed Kareemuddin. My wife, Shanaz and I, have 4 children - 3 boys and a girl. Our 3rd boy is Sufiyan. He was born this year. For the first time, Shanaz needed a C-section. This delivery was tough on us. He was born a few weeks premature, and with respiratory issues. The doctor said we had to move him to Rainbow, for intensive care. We agreed.

My baby could not breathe. He was so tiny. I could see he was in distress. He was in the NICU for over a month. Slowly, he began to gain strength. His little body fought against all odds and got better. Sufiyan came home with us.

Just when I thought the worst was over, it began again

In just a month, he developed a fever and cold. Worried about his breathing, Shanaz and I rushed him back to Rainbow. Our baby had caught severe pneumonia. His lungs were filled with fluid, and he was so weak. We had to admit him again.

For 10 days, Sufiyan was struggling between life and death. Yesterday (25th September), he had an emergency surgery for his right lung. Now he is in the PICU, recovering on the ventilator. He still cannot breathe on his own.

I cannot even comfort my child

I never thought any of my children would have to face so much pain in their lives, especially just after their birth. We are beside broken to see our 4-month-old still unable to drink his own mother's milk without being able to choke.

We cannot even hold him because he is vulnerable to infections. It has been so difficult for my wife, having to leave three children at home alone, and watching a child suffer in pain.

How can you help?

As a father, I feel helpless. I work as a supervisor at a construction site. With Rs. 12,000/month I care for my family. I put whatever I had into the C-section and the first month of his care. Now, even after pleading with friends and relatives, all I can arrange for is Rs. 1.2 lakhs. Our bill has crossed Rs. 5 lakhs, and may go up to Rs. 13 lakhs by the time our baby boy is ready to come home.

Please, Allah gave us this little baby to protect and love. With your support, I can save my son!