Transparenthands

Ilsa Bilawal, a 4-year-old girl from Vehari, Punjab, had been experiencing chest discomfort and shortness of breath since birth. She often appeared weak and lacked the energy expected for a child of her age. Even slight physical activity left her exhausted and struggling to breathe, making it difficult for her to play and stay active. Her parents took her to a local doctor for an evaluation. After a thorough examination, the doctor diagnosed Ilsa with Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA), Univentricular Heart (UVH), and Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD). The doctor recommended angiography followed by a CP Shunt through open-heart surgery to improve her heart function. Ilsa lives with her parents and two siblings in a small four-marla house. Her father works overseas and earns approximately PKR 65,000 per month. His income is used to cover the family's household expenses and the needs of their children. With limited financial resources, the family was unable to afford the considerable cost of Ilsa’s heart surgery. They contacted Transparent Hands for assistance, and after reviewing her medical and financial circumstances, her case was registered. On July 9, 2026, Ilsa was admitted to the Ittefaq Hospital in Lahore. Her angiography was performed to assess the condition of her heart and blood vessels before surgery. On July 10, 2026, she underwent a CP Shunt through open-heart surgery, successfully performed by Dr. Asim Khan. Following the procedure, Ilsa received post-operative care and remained under medical observation. She was discharged from the hospital in stable condition on July 15, 2026. Ilsa’s parents expressed their gratitude as follows: “We were worried about Ilsa because every day was challenging for her. You became a source of hope for Ilsa during this time of need. Thanks for being there for us and supporting her life-saving surgery.” Today, Ilsa is recovering steadily and gradually regaining her strength. Her family is hopeful that she will be able to enjoy a more active childhood with fewer limitations caused by her heart condition. They are deeply grateful to you and the Pakistan Children’s Heart Foundation (PCHF) for making Ilsa’s heart surgery possible.