Sadia S., 13

Sadia Sultana is a bright and determined 13-year-old girl who dreams of continuing her education and building a better future despite growing up in poverty. She lives with her parents and siblings in a small rented house in Cox’s Bazar, where the family survives on only 10,500 BDT per month earned by her two brothers because her father is unable to work due to health problems. For nearly eight years, Sadia has struggled with breathing difficulties and repeated illnesses, and doctors later discovered a serious heart defect that now requires specialized treatment and open-heart surgery. Without timely intervention, her condition could continue to damage her heart and lungs, leading to worsening breathlessness, heart failure, and potentially life-threatening complications. After being referred by Dr. Nur Mohammad and supported by Helpster Charity, Sadia and her family finally found hope for the lifesaving treatment needed to give her a chance at a healthy future.

Sadia Sultana was admitted to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) on May 14, 2026, to address a severe congenital heart defect that caused chronic breathing difficulties. Doctors carefully stabilized her and prepared her for surgery, successfully performing an open-heart repair with a synthetic patch to close the hole in her heart on June 10, 2026. After an uneventful and smooth post-operative recovery, she spent a total of 40 days in the hospital before being officially discharged on June 23, 2026. She returned home with a comprehensive prescription care plan, including pain relievers, vitamins, and specialized medications, to ensure her deep surgical wounds heal cleanly. The vital procedure was a complete success, meaning Sadia is now hemodynamically stable, free from debilitating fatigue, and finally given the chance to live a healthy, normal childhood.

Doctors have advised hospitalization, medical optimization, and intracardiac repair surgery to correct Sadia's heart defect and improve the function of her heart and lungs. The surgery is expected to close the abnormal opening in her heart, reduce strain on the heart, improve blood circulation, and help relieve her long-standing breathing difficulties and recurrent infections. With successful treatment and proper follow-up care, Sadia is expected to experience better growth, improved physical activity, and a significantly healthier future. If left untreated, the heart defect may continue to worsen, leading to progressive heart and lung damage, worsening shortness of breath, heart failure, and other serious complications. In severe cases, the condition can become life-threatening, making timely surgery essential for her survival and long-term well-being.