Change Dua Fatima’s Life With Open-Heart Surgery

Dua Fatima's Story

Meet Dua Fatima, a one-year-old little girl from Kasur, who has been suffering from breathlessness and chest discomfort since birth. Dua’s parents were overjoyed when she was born, but their happiness quickly turned into fear when they learned about her condition. They noticed she would often turn blue when crying or feeding—a sign that her body wasn’t getting enough oxygen. They consulted a doctor, who, after running some medical tests, diagnosed Dua with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), a condition characterized by four specific heart abnormalities. The doctor advised open-heart surgery for total correction to fix this defect and give her a chance to have a healthy, happy future. However, the cost of the surgery is overwhelming for Dua’s family.

Dua is just one year old, but she is already fighting the battle of her life. Her tiny heart is not functioning as it should. The poor blood flow is leaving her weak, breathless, and at constant risk of life-threatening complications. The doctors confirmed their worst fears: Without surgery, Dua’s condition could worsen, leading to severe developmental delays, heart failure, or even sudden death.

Dua is living in a 2-marla brick house with her five family members. Her father is a daily wager and earns just PKR 20,000. The entire family relies upon him for their living expenses. The cost of this life-saving surgery is far beyond what her family can afford. They have no savings to pay for the surgery that can save their daughter’s life. During this challenging time, a ray of hope arose when a neighbor told them about Transparent Hands. Dua’s parents reached out to us and asked for help.

Her parents said with concern in their voices:

“She’s our precious baby. It’s unbearable to consider the possibility that we might lose her so soon. We don’t have enough money to pay for her surgery. We’re desperate and want her to have a chance to live. Kindly save our daughter’s life.”

By repairing the defects in her heart, this surgery would improve the flow of blood throughout her body, allowing her to grow, play, and thrive like other children.

We are reaching out to ask for your support. Dua’s life depends on this surgery, and with your help, we can make it possible. Your contribution will bring Dua one step closer to the life-saving treatment she desperately needs.

Please donate today and help us give Dua the gift of life.

Please Note: In certain situations, we proceed with the patient's surgery/medical procedure despite incomplete funding displayed on the website. Following the surgery/medical procedure, we persist in collecting funds and maintain the campaign on the website until funding is secured in full. Hospitals have granted us a grace period for bill payment.

Fakhar Islam and Nusrat Fakhar

Donated: $ 401

Dua Fatima's Story

Dua Fatima, a 2-year-old girl from Kasur, had been suffering from shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and fatigue since birth. Activities like crying or feeding used to make her skin blue and she often gasped for breath. Since the day she was born, she had been fighting to survive. When her parents took her to a nearby hospital, they heard the devastating news of her heart disease. The doctor diagnosed her with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). It means her body was not getting enough oxygen and she couldn’t grow like other kids of her age. She was advised to undergo an open-heart surgery for total correction. However, her family was not able to pay for her surgery.

Dua lived in a 2-marla brick house with her five family members. Her father, the sole breadwinner in the family, worked as a daily wage laborer and earned just PKR 20,000 per month. This monthly income was insufficient to cover the utility bills, grocery expenses, and the living expenses of five family members. They could barely make ends meet and their monthly income left no room for savings. Dua’s parents were worried about their daughter’s life, fearing they would lose her soon. However, a glimmer of hope arose when a neighbor told them about Transparent Hands. Dua’s parents contacted us and asked us to register her case. The generosity of our donors enabled us to arrange surgery for Dua at one of our panel hospitals.

On 21st October 2024, Dua was admitted to the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital. She received pre-operative care and her surgery was scheduled for 26th October 2024. Dr. Faiz Rasool carefully managed her case and performed her open-heart surgery for total correction. After surgery, Dua was hospitalized for six days and received post-operative care and essential monitoring. Dua’s parents said with tears of happiness in their eyes:

“Our daughter’s heart was not working as it should have been. We couldn’t see her in this condition. Your support came at the perfect time as a miracle. We can’t explain how happy we are. Our little child is healing and it’s you who made this possible. From the bottom of our hearts, we are thankful to you.”

Dua Fatima is recovering day by day. Now she can grow and spend her life like other kids of her age. Your support made a huge change in her life. Dua’s family extends their deepest gratitude to you and the Pakistan Children’s Heart Foundation.