While doing a general screening of the children from our Projects during our Immunization Program for 2010-11, we came to know the case of Sam Watson, a two year old child with severe heart disease residing in the Koregaon Park community.
The child was referred to a nearby hospital, where all the required tests were conducted. The doctors involved decided to perform an operation on the child, but the surgery was postponed until Sam’s weight increased, he overcame his continuous mild fever, and his blood volume reached the required level.
The child was referred to a nearby hospital, where all the required tests were conducted. The doctors involved decided to perform an operation on the child, but the surgery was postponed until Sam’s weight increased, he overcame his continuous mild fever, and his blood volume reached the required level.
We immediately started supplementary nutrition for Sam for almost two and half months. Our Social Worker and Teacher counseled the family on how to care for the child and reported on his health status until Sam was in good enough physical condition. In the meantime, we tried to find sponsors or other resources for the operation. Our search led us to another hospital, which readily agreed to conduct the surgery and forwarded the request for the Chief Minister’s Fund. Finally, everything worked out and the decision to carry out operation was finalized.Sam was admitted in the hospital two weeks before surgery. He successfully underwent heart surgery on 19th April and was released some time later. He is now doing well, notwithstanding his overall weak condition. His parents are taking good post-surgery care of him and our Social Worker is counseling his family regarding his care and regular follow-up treatment.
We wish success to him on his fresh beginning.
With warm regards,
Pradip Balsaraf
Project Co-ordinator
Asha-Kiran Shelters Foundation
