“ I find it hard to come to terms with reality. I can't bear that my husband left us knowing that our son's life is at risk. It has been months since my baby was diagnosed with a heart disease and I have been struggling all alone to save him. Doctors said that he was born with multiple heart defects. He is struggling to breathe, he has  severe infections and he cries constantly. I'm scared that I might lose him."

Amidst all the sufferings, Pana's husband chose not to be by her side

Pana has been staying in the village of Mahobar, Uttar Pradesh, with her child while her husband stayed in Punjab for years. Pana never had to work as her husband would send her money to run the household. Even in her wildest dreams, she never imagined that her husband would leave her alone. When Ritik was diagnosed with a heart defect, his father left them.

“I am an illiterate woman from a small village. In  our village we believe in rituals strongly and my neighbours asked me to visit a temple every week. I believed that my prayers are enough to cure my son. When I went to Delhi to my sister’s place, her employer helped me visit a doctor. By then he developed pneumonia and multiple infections. Sometimes he turns blue completely and I get scared to even touch him."

Although little Ritik has multiple problems, his father has denied to even stay in touch

Ritik's failing heart has caused him so much suffering. The little baby has a hole in the heart. He also has a blockage of blood flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery. His right ventricle pumps blood in very high pressure. Unlike normal hearts, he has a valve in both ventricles.

“He cries too much and nothing seems to console him. I had come to Delhi to stay with my husband, but when I called, he said he can’t afford Ritik’s treatment. It’s been 10 days and he has denied to even stay in touch.”

Pana is working for the first time just to make sure her baby gets surgery at the right time

Pana’s sister Phoola works as a maid in Noida. Pana stays with her now and has managed to get work. She works as a domestic help in a few houses. She manages to save about Rs 150 per day. She is saving every rupee so that Ritik gets a heart surgery. The cost required to save him now is Rs 3.5 lakhs.

“I had no money when I came to Delhi. I have been struggling to take my son to a doctor. Savita didi is Phoola’s employer. When I had nowhere to go, she helped me get my baby treated. She has gone out of her ways to help me, but sadly that's not enough. I am scared that I will lose my baby.”

How you can help

9-month-old Ritik is suffering from multiple heart defects. After being abandoned by her husband, Pana is working as a domestic help to get funds for his treatment. But with the little money she makes, it will take her decades to get her child treated. Without urgent help, it will be difficult for Pana to save her baby.