You Secured Fatima’s Future Through Cardiac Surgery

Fatima Asghar's Story

Fatima Asghar, a 3-year-old girl from Gujrat, Punjab, had been battling complex heart problems since birth. She frequently experienced shortness of breath and chest discomfort, becoming exhausted even after mild physical activity. At times, her lips and skin developed a bluish tint due to reduced oxygen levels in her blood. While children her age enjoyed playing without worry, Fatima’s parents constantly feared that even simple activities could leave her struggling to breathe. Concerned about her condition, her parents took her to a doctor for a detailed evaluation. After undergoing diagnostic tests, Fatima was diagnosed with dextrocardia, transposition of the great arteries (TGA), and a large ventricular septal defect (VSD). These congenital heart defects disrupt normal blood circulation and prevent oxygen-rich blood from reaching the body efficiently. When she was one year old, Fatima underwent Pulmonary Artery Banding (PAB), which helped stabilize her condition. However, her treatment was not yet complete. To plan the next stage of her care and improve her heart function, the doctor recommended angiography followed by a CP shunt procedure.

The cost of this specialized cardiac surgery was beyond the family’s financial means. Fatima lives in a modest house with her parents and three other family members. Her father works as a painter and is the only earning member of the family, bringing home approximately PKR 35,000 per month. His income is used to manage household expenses and meet the needs of the entire family, leaving no savings for advanced cardiac treatment. Hoping to give their daughter a chance at a healthier life, Fatima’s parents applied for support through Transparent Hands. After her medical records and the family’s financial circumstances were carefully reviewed, her case was registered for treatment.

On June 18, 2026, Fatima was admitted to the Ittefaq Hospital in Lahore. Her angiography and CP shunt procedure were successfully performed by Dr. Asim Khan on June 19, 2026. After receiving post-procedure care and close medical monitoring, Fatima was discharged in stable condition on June 23, 2026.

Fatima’s father expressed his happiness as follows:

“Seeing my daughter struggle to breathe since birth has been heartbreaking. Every day was a challenge for her. After the surgery, her life has changed for the better. Words cannot express how grateful I am. Thank you for being there for us.”

Fatima is recovering well at home.

Her family extends their heartfelt gratitude to you and the Pakistan Children’s Heart Foundation (PCHF) for making this cardiac treatment possible.