I can’t wait for the day when my daughter defeats her congenital heart disease and leads a normal life
This week, we share the story of Dhanashree Choughule, a fish seller whose 3 year old daughter Avni is battling congenital heart disease (CHD).
I am Dhanashree Choughule. We hail from Diveagar, Raigad in Maharashtra and are a family of five. My husband works as a daily wage labourer and I sell fish in the markets for a living. Our income is uncertain and we live in a make-shift hut.
My 3 year daughter Anvi Naresh Chougule was diagnosed with a congenital heart disease (CHD) condition when she was only 3 months old. We found that she wasn’t gaining weight and was constantly uneasy with cold, coughs. Seeing this, we got her checked at a clinic in Mangaon. There, we were told that she has a hole in her heart. She was identified through Rashtriya Bal Suraksha Karyakram (RBSK) – a mission founded by the central government which looks at child screening and provides early intervention services.
This doctor couple quit their corporate jobs to help rural India fight congenital heart disease
Soon, we approached a local government clinic for help with an ambulance so we could take Anvi to a better facility in Alibaug. Fortunately, someone at the hospital informed us about Swades Foundation. So we reached out to them and someone from the foundation visited our home the very next day.
We were told that they would be able to help us with all medication and surgery expenses – relieving us of a huge financial burden. We could never gather lakhs of rupees needed for the surgery.
With Swades’ help, Anvi’s surgery was done at Jupiter Hospital, Pune in September last year. Since then, she has shown clear signs of improvement, however some pain persists. Earlier she used to say ‘my stomach is in pain’ but now she points out to the heart and says’ my chest is in pain’
We have been informed that she might require another surgery for her to show significant improvement. So we attended the Cardiac Camp organised by Swades Foundation and Satya Sai Hospital for a follow up at a sub-district hospital in Mangaon- where she has been advised and awaits her next surgery escort to a partner Hospital.
While Anvi has shown marked improvement from before, I can’t wait for the day when we defeat the problem entirely.
Edited by Akanksha Sarma
