Arslan Imran awaits TOF Repair 

Arslan Imran's Story

Arslan Imran, aged 2.5 years, a resident of Lahore has been experiencing cyanosis and shortness of breath on mild exertion since birth. Cardiac evaluation revealed that he is suffering from a congenital heart defect termed Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). The said heart defect has four characteristics that reveal the complicated nature of the disease and the impact it leaves on the body and life of the patient. Ventricular septal defect (VSD) or a hole between the two bottom chambers, the ventricles of the heart that eject blood to the body and lungs; Overriding aorta on top of both ventricles, instead of just the left ventricle unlike the normal heart; pulmonary stenosis or narrowing of the pulmonary valve; Hypertrophy or thickness of the right ventricle that results from heart’s exhaustive work to pump blood through the narrow pulmonary valve. TOF can only be cured via surgical procedure in which different defects are repaired after open heart surgery. A child who has had surgical repair of TOF, requires lifelong care and examinations by a cardiologist. Medication and an optimized lifestyle are also a lifelong necessity. Arslan Imran’s father narrates their ordeal in the following words:

“Since birth, he has been ill. One day he was suffering from high fever and the color of his body changed. I thought we might lose him. So we took him to the doctor for a checkup where he was diagnosed with TOF and the doctor advised open heart surgery. We were shattered as due to financial constraints we were unable to bear the expenses of the surgical procedure. I am a labourer by profession and I earn PKR.15000 per month. In this amount I have to run the house and provide for a family of five members that includes my wife and children. So, unfortunately in these circumstances facilitating my son’s treatment seems out of the question.” 

Luckily, now that Arslan Imran and his family have been connected with Transparent Hands, you can make this procedure possible. Transparent Hands will collaborate with The Pakistan Children Heart foundation to cover the medical expenses. But it doesn’t mean we will not be needing you. Generously, Donate for Arslan Imran Tetralogy of Fallot repair, and assist him in cherishing the gift of breath.

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