The Little Heart Surgeries -- An Emotional but Inspirational visit

 

So far the Little Heart Surgeries Project ( Aimed to perform surgeries to correct Congenital Heart Defects ) has completed over 400 surgeries in five years or so since it was launched. This would not have been possible without the Grace of God and with support of so many  kind hearted people ( Doctors , Rotarians of the Globe  ( Calling out Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Pasendena Club who are Partners)), Nurses , support staff, Government of TN CM  Insurance scheme , Corporates like Ford , CAMS and many more Romba Naala Ullangal  😊 )

 

We used to visit the hospital regularly and check on the little kids and their families  who went through the surgery 9 2017- till early2020). During the Pandemic where we restricted our visits to the hospital , it was through phones calls alone. One thought that always used to linger with us ( Core team ) was to check these kids post say two or three years after surgery and see how they were doing by a visit to their place of residence.

This thought along with the endemic stage of the Covid , made us plan the visit to Villupuram on 24^th July. Why Villupuram  ?  Data showed that this district had most the kids that had gone through Corrective surgery… With able support of staff of Soorya Hospital and led by Chair of the Project Rtn Saravanan , it was planned this Sunday  and to say the visit went well would be an understatement. 

Around 40 kids  with their parents turned up at the Community hall.  This was a big deal as most of the parents were Daily wage workers and missing a day at work would mean , there was no food at home.  

 We could not recognize them ( the kids ) !!.. We had pictures of them pre surgery and all of them have grown up healthily. Most kids we remember from the pictures and names but  this was the first pleasant surprise.   

When we opened the sessions for the parents to talk , it was overwhelming ….

One Mother talked about her struggle of two years – Visiting multiple hospitals  and everyone declaring that surgery had to be done but she had no money for that … Dead end .. But she said that her daughter was precious and she will not allow her to die .. She then found that she could get this done free through the local PHC doctors ( they entire team  were such a support to this entire district )  and she was referred to Soorya Hospital  and then as they say, rest is history. Little Devipriya shyly hides behind her mother.. That smile of hers is naughty but you could see the happiness that she brings to the mother..

Then there was  this kid … He was given 20 % chance to survive ..Boy ,not only did he survive but he was there continuing his education and in good health . It was wonderful to see him

 Every parent that rendered their stories  had to run from pillar to post – hospital to hospital – Just could not find the right hospital that would solve the problem..  This Project of Rotary now has given them a permanent solution and it will give solution to more… Word has to spread about this wonderful project and its ability to Save lives.

The Govt doctors of the district were an awesome team.. They are the ones who identify the problem, know each kid by name , cajol and request the parents to take their kids to get the surgeries done… Hats off to that team . They were the Connectors with the parents and this Project.

Out visit was very fruitful… It was a clear confirmation that kids continue to do well post the surgeries and lead a normal life…. More to do on this project ..

My thanks to  Rtn Saravanan , Rtn Bina Boaz and Rtn Suresh – besides the visit , we had such a good bonding through the travel talking and learning on so many things … A lovely Sunday 😊