2 years and 11 months. Our daughter suffered during this time with multiple infections, poor growth and too many medicines. She tried to run around but got easily fatigued, ate a lot but didn’t grow in height nor weight and had frequent chest infections.
At 1 month of age a doctor noticed a strange sound in her heart, and a few tests later, a large hole in the heart was detected. We were advised surgery costing Rs 2 lakhs, but for a helper who earns 10,000 rupees per month, it was completely out of reach. We spent half of our salary on medicines and managed education of the elder sibling with the remaining. It was difficult to make ends meet, and a 2 lakh surgery was near impossible for us.
We then started the process of asking close friends and family for help. A slow and difficult process with more no’s than yes’s. We were stressed that money could not be arranged, and fearful as our child’s health was worsening day by day.
A well-known pediatric cardiologist who knew of our case approached Healing Touch to finance an angioplasty correction for the hole in our child’s heart. The hospital waived the hospital charges. Doctors were happy to look after the child for free. The cost of consumables and medicines was Rs 1 lakh and full financial assistance was offered for treatment in a well-known private hospital. A smooth and simple procedure lasting 1 hour put an end to 2.11 years of suffering.
Most heart diseases can be operated successfully with good long-term results and children can live their life to the fullest if blessed with an opportunity. We are grateful to Healing Touch for helping us and giving our family and our daughter a new breath of life.
