“It feels like our conscience is accusing us! That it’s because of us that our newborn is fighting for life. Because that small baby couldn’t possibly have done anything wrong. It must be us! What wrong have we done? How can this happen to our child?” – Gopi, father.
The new-born was doing good, till his hands and legs started turning blue
After much anticipation and amidst all the excitement, Malathi gave birth to a baby boy a couple of weeks ago. With unceasing excitement and happiness, the parents took him home. They wanted to celebrate him; to think of a name that reflected what he meant to them. But two days after the baby was born, Malathi noticed his hands and legs were turning a deep blue. She did not know why -the scans, during her pregnancy, had all been absolutely normal. But what was this?
The baby’s test results knocked the life out of the parents
“We rushed him to the hospital and they checked for the oxygen level. I do not know the terms but they said there was only 40% oxygen in his body. They suggested an Echo test. All they did was apply gel over his chest and we knew he wouldn’t be hurt. But we were devastated. It frightened us to see him on the hospital bed. He was just 2 days old, after all! But that wasn’t all. The tests proved fatal to our hopes!” – Malathi, mother.
The baby needs an immediate open-heart surgery if he has to survive
Following the Echo test results, the baby was diagnosed with complications in the heart. In a normal heart, the impure blood flows to the lungs where it’s purified, and returns to the heart. The heart then pumps this oxygen rich blood to the rest of the body. However, in this baby’s case, the arteries are transposed. They are connected to the wrong ventricles. Because of this, the impure blood is bypassing the lungs and returning to the heart without being purified. This impure blood is pumped out to the rest of the body. This is a serious condition and requires an open-heart surgery in the first few weeks of life.
“Why is this happening to him? Why such a big surgery for my little boy? I guess we’ve been cursed. First, my father-in-law’s leg was amputated till the knee because of diabetes. Then, my mother-in-law lost was diagnosed with breast-cancer. And now, the boy who was supposed to make us forget about all our hardships, is fighting for life! Is it fair?” – Malathi, mother.
Gopi can't save his son on a carpenter's income...
Gopi is a carpenter who works for daily wages. On days when there’s work, he earns Rs. 500. On days when there isn’t, they barely scratch through the next day. It has been 15 days since the boy has been in the hospital, waiting for his surgery. The expenses so far, have already gotten the family in debts. The cost of this surgery amounts to 7 lakhs and the parents are terrified.
“Whatever I earn, is enough for our survival and to repay the loans from the past. There are no savings. And now, I haven’t gone to work for the past few weeks. I don’t know where to get the money from. I need to save our son. I still can’t believe he’s fighting for life. I barely talk these days. If I do, I will breakdown. I need to remain strong because Malathi is so shattered. Keeping it all inside is killing me. I can’t think straight. Please help us save our son! We can’t even think of losing him!” – Gopi, father.
Saving this child, will save his whole family. Your generous contribution can help this new-born get his surgery.
Supporting document
The specifics of this case have been verified by the medical team at the concerned hospital. For any clarification on the treatment or associated costs, contact the campaign organizer or the medical team.
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