Fatema A., 1

Fatema Akter is a gentle and innocent one-month-old baby girl whose quiet presence fills her family with love and hope, despite their difficult living conditions. Her father, Amdad Hossain, earns only 6,500 BDT per month as a garments worker, which is barely enough to support the family, including her mother, elder brother, and elderly grandfather, making it impossible to afford her urgent eye treatment. After surviving a fragile premature birth, Fatema is now at risk of losing her eyesight due to Retinopathy of Prematurity, leaving her parents deeply worried and helpless. Without timely treatment, she may become permanently blind, which would affect her entire future and ability to live independently. After learning about Helpster Charity through a hospital counselor, the family now holds onto hope that their beloved daughter can be saved and grow up seeing the world.

Fatema Akter, a 1-month-old baby girl, was diagnosed with Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in both eyes, a condition that posed a serious risk to her developing vision. Immediate treatment was necessary to prevent long-term damage, and she received Anti-VEGF injections administered by Dr. Md. Saiful Islam, the hospital’s ROP Specialist. The procedure was carried out with great care, and his condition was closely observed through regular follow-up visits. She responded positively to the treatment, with gradual improvement seen in her retinal condition. The abnormal blood vessel growth has now been brought under control. Her retinal health is improving steadily, giving hope for normal vision development. Heartfelt thanks to Helpster Charity and Helpster Heroes for their generous support in helping protect his eyesight.

According to Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain Sheikh, Chief Consultant, and Dr. Md. Saiful Islam, ROP Specialist at Mazharul Haque BNSB Eye Hospital, Chandpur, baby Fatema urgently needs Anti-VEGF (Avastin) injections in both eyes. The doctors are confident that with timely treatment and follow-up care, her eyesight can be fully restored, giving her the gift of vision for life. They have advised that any delay could cause irreversible damage to her retina, resulting in permanent blindness. The treatment is safe, effective, and crucial at this stage to prevent vision loss. The total cost for her treatment, including medicine, injection, and routine check-ups, is BDT 18,000 — a small amount compared to the lifelong impact it could have on Fatema’s future.