Save Shakeela’s Life with VSD Closure Surgery

Shakeela Iftikhar's Story

Shakeela Iftikhar, a 10-year-old girl from Pakpattan, is suffering from shortness of breath and chest discomfort. While most children of her age run and play without a second thought, Shakeela struggles to keep up. Even mild physical activity leaves her gasping for air and makes her feel fatigued. Recently, her parents took her to a local hospital. After undergoing a series of tests and examinations, Shakeela was diagnosed with a restrictive Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) and left Ventricular Volume Overload (LVVO). These heart conditions affect the flow of blood in her body. Her doctor advised VSD closure surgery, but the cost of the surgery is overwhelming for her family.

Without the recommended VSD closure surgery, Shakeela’s heart will continue to work under immense strain. It may put her at risk of heart failure, worsening symptoms, and life-threatening complications. Time is running out, and her condition demands medical intervention.

Shakeela’s father is a hardworking laborer, earning just PKR 16,000 per month to support his wife and four children. They live in a modest home owned by someone else, relying on the father’s income for food, utilities, and basic needs. Every month, the family struggles to stretch their limited resources. They are surviving in extreme poverty. Due to his meager income, her father finds it hard to save for Shakeela’s surgery. Shakeela’s parents are consumed by worry. They watch their daughter grow weaker. Her mother said with a heavy heart:

“When I see Shakeela struggling to breathe, my heart hurts badly. I want to see her smile and play like other children. However, my husband can’t afford the surgery. I ask you to please contribute for my daughter’s life-saving surgery.”

Your kindness can change everything. Your donations can give her the chance to grow up healthy and strong.

Open your hearts and help this little girl breathe freely again. Together, we can give her the gift of life.