Zuhaid Arsalani’s Heart Surgery Journey

Two Surgeries, One Brave Little Heart

Every parent dreams of watching their child grow up healthy—breathing comfortably, playing freely, and experiencing the simple joys of childhood.

For Zuhaid Arsalani’s family, that dream became a journey filled with uncertainty, courage, and hope.

Soon after birth, the little heart warrior began showing severe cyanosis, a bluish discoloration that can occur when the body does not receive enough oxygen.

Her parents knew something was not right.

Months later, an echocardiogram confirmed their fears. Their baby had a complex congenital heart defect that required specialized pediatric cardiac treatment.

The First Step Towards Treatment

At just eight months old, in July 2025, Zuhaid underwent a critical cardiac surgery involving multiple procedures at Marengo Asia Hospital.

The cost of her first surgery was supported by an individual donor, giving the family much-needed hope during an extremely difficult time.

But their journey was not over.

After the procedure, concerning symptoms gradually returned. Zuhaid again began experiencing severe breathlessness and excessive sweating.

Her family was devastated to learn that their little daughter needed another important cardiac intervention.

A Family Facing Another Difficult Battle

After already going through one major heart surgery, the possibility of arranging another procedure brought enormous emotional and financial pressure.

The medical expenses were beyond what the family could manage.

During this difficult period, hospital staff referred Zuhaid’s family to Child Heart Foundation (CHF) for support.

For the family, the referral opened another door to hope.

Child Heart Foundation and IGL Step In

After understanding Zuhaid’s medical needs and the urgency of her condition, Child Heart Foundation helped facilitate the next stage of her treatment.

Through the CSR support of Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL), the financial cost of her treatment was sponsored, helping remove the major financial barrier facing her family.

Zuhaid could now receive the cardiac intervention she needed without further delay due to treatment costs.

A Life-Saving BD Glenn Procedure

In February 2026, Zuhaid successfully underwent a Bidirectional Glenn (BD Glenn) procedure, an important surgical intervention used as part of the treatment pathway for certain complex congenital heart defects.

For her parents, seeing their little girl come through another major heart procedure brought immense relief.

After two significant cardiac interventions at such a young age, their brave little heart warrior had crossed another important milestone.

A Little Heart That Kept Fighting

Today, Zuhaid is doing well and continuing her recovery under appropriate medical follow-up.

Her journey is a powerful reminder that treating complex congenital heart defects can sometimes require more than one procedure and continued cardiac care as a child grows.

From the first signs of cyanosis after birth to an echocardiogram, her first surgery, and eventually the BD Glenn procedure, every stage of Zuhaid’s journey required courage from her family and timely medical support.

For Zuhaid, the second surgery represented much more than another medical procedure.

It meant another chance to breathe easier.
Another chance to grow stronger.
Another reason for her parents to hope.
And another step toward the childhood they dream of giving her.

Her family remains deeply grateful to Child Heart Foundation and Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) for helping make this important stage of her life-saving treatment possible.

Child Heart Foundation works to help underprivileged children with congenital heart defects access timely diagnosis, specialized pediatric cardiac care, life-saving treatment, and continued follow-up support.

Saving Hearts. Transforming Futures.