Looking at the big scar on my little boy’s chest kills me every day. At this age, he has suffered so much more pain than me. What’s more heartbreaking is that he smiles at me without knowing the truth that his heart might stop beating soon without a surgery which his father can't afford – Saravanan, father
Saravanan’s one-year-old child Mukesh, was born with Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), a hole in his heart chamber. It was diagnosed at birth but his parents were not stable enough to afford for a surgery at that moment.
When he was eight months old they finally managed to get his surgery done but it was not the end.
"I thought my child was safe after the surgery. We brought him home and he was playing like any other kid. He loves going to the grocery shop and runs to me with a bag every time I leave. I used to treat him with candies whenever I take him with me. That day too, while I was leaving for the shop he went inside to grab a bag, but he didn’t return. I went back to check on him and he was there, lying on the floor grabbing the bag in his hand. My little boy had collapsed." - Saravaran.
Saravanan rushed his child to the hospital immediately and the doctors said the baby needs immediate surgery. He had to undertake a balloon angioplasty, where a thin tube is inserted into the baby’s artery and the balloon is inflated to open it and restore the blood flow.
He gives me a faint smile which is my only hope to fight for him every day
"The balloon treatment showed only minimal results and he started having shortness in breath with fatigue. He cannot play or run around like before and gets tired after a few minutes. I feel like my house has lost its happiness. I cannot hear his laughter anymore."- Nangamaal, mother
I sold my scooter, my wife’s jewels and now I have nothing else to sell
"I work as a salesman in a Pothys textile shop for 10 long hours, I hardly get to sit. But it is not enough to save my baby. My wife is seven months pregnant with our second child now and I have to take care of her medical needs too. I’m helpless and I feel incapable as a father who can’t save his own son’s life. I sold my scooter, my wife’s jewels and now I have nothing else to sell. None of my relatives is ready to lend me money as they feel I can’t return the money back. Only God alone can show me a way to save my little boy."- Saravaran.
Baby Mukesh has to undergo a heart surgery as soon as possible. This surgery will give a good long-term result where he can lead a normal life like any other child and have a healthy functioning heart. The whole procedure will cost around Rs.3 lakhs but Mukesh’s father is struggling to pay for it.
Your generous contribution can help a father in saving his son's life. Without your help, this baby’s heart may stop beating soon.
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 organiser or the medical team.
