Pt. Heba Fatima
Little Heba Fatima’s journey is a reminder that timely care can save even the tiniest of hearts.
Heba Fatima, a 5-month-old baby girl from Allahabad, was born on 9th February 2025. Just 10–15 days after her birth, her parents noticed that she was breathing rapidly. Concerned, they took her to a local doctor, who reassured them that it was due to a common cough and cold. Trusting this, the family continued to cherish the early moments with their newborn, unaware of the underlying condition.
However, when Heba turned four months old, her parents again noticed the same rapid breathing—this time more concerning than before. They sought another medical opinion, where a congenital heart disease (CHD) was suspected, and an echocardiography was advised.
The diagnosis came as a shock—Heba was suffering from a congenital heart defect. Her parents were overwhelmed with guilt, realizing that the early signs had gone unnoticed and untreated.
Following this, they consulted Dr. Vikas Kohli at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital. A repeat echocardiography confirmed a large Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), and immediate surgery was advised.
But for Heba’s father, who works at a small general store, arranging the required funds was nearly impossible. The cost of the surgery—around ₹2 lakhs—was far beyond the family’s means.
At this critical moment, hope arrived.
Dr. Kohli referred Heba to the Child Heart Foundation (CHF) for financial support under the Hridaan Program. With timely intervention and support, Heba was admitted on 29th August 2025 and successfully underwent VSD closure surgery on 30th August 2025.
She was discharged in good health and has since completed her follow-up visits. Today, Heba is back home in Allahabad, recovering well and bringing smiles back to her family.
Her parents remain deeply grateful to ABC and the Child Heart Foundation for standing by them during their most difficult time.
Heba’s story is a testament to the power of early diagnosis, timely support, and the chance to give every child a healthy future.