Mariya K., 12

Mst. Mariya Khatun is a 12-year-old girl who has lived with recurrent respiratory infections and shortness of breath since birth due to a serious congenital heart condition. She lives with her three family members in Piarapur, Ullapara, while her father is the sole earning member and works as a day laborer, earning only approximately USD 94 per month, making it difficult to meet basic needs or afford her treatment. Her family has no savings and lives in a modest home built with community support, leaving them unable to manage the cost of her urgently needed heart surgery. Mariya is currently admitted to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases and is awaiting patch closure surgery for her Large Fenestrated ASD Secundum. Without timely treatment, her condition may worsen with increasing strain on the heart and lungs, potentially leading to severe respiratory problems and irreversible pulmonary hypertension. The family was referred to Helpster Charity by Prof. Dr. Abdul Wadud Chowdhury and MP Md. Rafiqul Islam Khan.

Hospitalization and medical optimization followed by GTPP closure of the large fenestrated ASD secundum are expected to improve the abnormal blood flow between the heart chambers and reduce the strain on the heart and lungs. Successful closure may help decrease her recurrent respiratory tract infections and shortness of breath and improve her overall functional capacity and quality of life. With appropriate treatment and follow-up, she may have a better opportunity for normal growth and daily activities. If left untreated, the defect may continue to place excessive strain on the heart and lungs, potentially leading to worsening respiratory symptoms, progressive heart complications, and pulmonary hypertension.