After seven years of struggling, the smile on the face of Saranya (24), who almost lost her child Pandeeshwari to Congenital Heart Disease (CHD), is heartening. It’s also a message to people - that CHD can be overcome even if you’re struggling from financial issues.
Congenital Heart disease is considered one of the leading causes of birth defect related deaths globally. They occur when the arteries that normally provide blood and oxygen to the heart are narrowed or even completely blocked. It is statistically proven that 1 in every 100 children is born with CHD and 85 per cent of these children die because the parents cannot afford the cost for the surgery.
Saranya and Paulraj, were sailing in that boat, until they reached Fortis Malar hospital. Here they were able to solicit financial aid from Aishwarya Trust, an NGO that helps underprivileged people suffering from CHD. Today, after undergoing four surgeries over the last seven years, Pandeeshwari is a happy survivor. “When we saw her suffering, we never believed that she could be cured. But today, she is going to join a regular school in few months. Our happiness cannot be explained,” said Saranya.
This is not a story of just one kid, but nearly 600 children who have undergone surgeries from this duo (Fortis Malar and Aishwarya Trust), an all of them came together as part of the Joy of Giving Week. Around 50 children from various districts in Tamil Nadu accompanied by their parents were presentalong with carnatic singer, Bombay Jayashri Ramnath.
Founder of Aishwarya Trust, Chitra, felicitated their major donors like Cognizant, Hyundai, GE health care and other corporate companies who have supported the cause. To get more people involved, they have introduced a new ‘Dil Se 100’ Initiative where donors can contribute Rs 100 every month towards this cause.
Details can be obtained from www.rhythmofheart.org; Phone: 044-28151953