Save a Child’s Heart
This past February I visited one of HDF’s model human development projects
in Karachi’s Kachchi Abadi section. The first place we saw was a non-formal
school. There, a young girl in pigtails and a white dress, her eyes shining
brightly with the innocence and eagerness of youth, recited mathematics tables
in front of the class. Her name was Tassawur
After completing the mathematics tables, Tassawur recited some rhymes, even
acting out some of their images and scenes.
I was so impressed by her confidence and apparent joy in learning that I gave
her a hug and asked her to sit in my lap as another student performed for the
class. As she sat in my lap I held her tiny, delicate hands. When I looked down
at them, the doctor in me caught something. The tips of her fingers were swollen
in the shape of spatulas. It was clubbing, a condition I had not seen while
in the U.S. for 25 years, except on one or two cystic children. I knew the clubbing
meant Tassawur had either had congenital heart disease or chronic lung disease.
After the class finished its lesson, I asked Dr. Khalid Riaz, who was also
there and is a cardiologist if my suspicions were right. He said they were.
I approached the teacher, dressed in white with her head covered in a dupatta,
and asked her if I could speak with Tassawur’s mother. Tears clouded her
eyes as she replied, “I am her mother.” She told me she knew Tassawur
has a congenital heart condition and needs surgery, but she cannot afford it.
She explained that she began teaching to try and save money to pay for her daughter’s
medical needs. Even knowing we of HDF could have provided that money, she did
not beg us for help.
Tassawur’s plight deeply affected all of the HDF staff who was there.
I left the schoolhouse with a lump in my throat.
That evening at my parents’ house I told my mother about Tassawur’s
condition and how she needed surgery to save her life. My mother offered her
charity organization, Bazm-e-Amina to provide the money to pay for Tassawur’s
treatment.
The next day I took Tassawur to a cardiologist and a cardiac surgeon. The examined
her and did some tests. They both agreed that no doctor in Pakistan could perform
the rare surgery she needed.
I left the doctors’ office dejected. But when I discussed the situation
with some fellow HDF staffers, we decided we would not give up until Tassawur
received the medical care she needed.
Upon returning to the U.S., we at HDF began to explore ways to help Tassawur.
We found a surgeon to operate on her (he has seen the latest echos on her and
is familiar with her condition). He offered to do the operation free of charge.
Another generous Pakistani offered to pay for both Tassawur and her mother’s
air fare.
What Tassawur needs now is funds to pay for her hospital bills. I am requesting
that all of you pitch in a bit of money to save this little girl. If we can
correct her condition, we will not only be giving her hope, but we will be giving
her the gift of hope—a gift so many Pakistani children need.
Thank you all in advance. I hope to get Tassawur to the U.S. soon.
Please make your donation checks payable to “Save a Heart”, and
write Tassawur’s name on them. Donations may be mailed to:
Dr. Atiya Khan
11652 Log Jump Trail
Ellicott City, MD 21042
