Testimonials
Nikita
Chhattisgarh, Ekam Surgery support Program
A less privileged family in Chhattisgarh celebrated the birth of a baby girl after a 5-year-old son. However, very soon the baby Nikita (name changed) was having breathing difficulty and often turning blue. The family soon discovered Nikita had a life-threatening congenital heart problem and needed a pediatric cardiac surgery which is very critical and expensive. Despite financial challenges, the determined father sought help from a renowned Kolkata hospital. Ekam Foundation Mumbai stepped in to support the expensive surgeries, Arterial Switch and VSD Closure, saving four-month-old Nikita's life in March 2021. The family is deeply grateful for the assistance that granted their daughter a painless and healthy new life.
Ahad Shaikh
Mumbai, Ekam Surgery support Program
Meet 7-year-old Ahad Shaikh (name changed), a resilient Thalassemia Major warrior from a small Mumbai family. His dad, the sole breadwinner as an auto driver, faced the challenge of providing for Ahad's treatment. Diagnosed at 3 months, Ahad endured seven years of blood transfusions until Ekam Foundation Mumbai and other trusts stepped in. In late 2021, Ahad received a successful bone marrow transplant (BMT) with Ekam Foundation's crucial support. Ahad resumed school in 2nd grade, and is back to being a healthy and happy child, thanks to the generosity that gave him a chance at a normal life.
Ketki
Mumbai, Ekam Surgery support Program
Three-month-old Ketki (name changed), the youngest of three daughters in a Maharashtra farming family was struggling with severe breathing issues. Ketki was diagnosed with a complex heart defect that required expensive surgery. The family, impacted by lockdown restrictions, faced financial challenges. Bhaskar (name changed), the sole earner, dreamt of a healthy future for Ketki but lacked the funds for her treatment. Ekam Foundation Mumbai's partial funding for the surgery became a lifeline, lifting a significant burden off Bhaskar's shoulders. "Ketki is my youngest daughter. We felt very helpless seeing her fight this severe disease. Thankfully, we received your support on time," expressed Bhaskar to Ekam Foundation Mumbai after Ketki's successful surgery. The picture captures Ketki's journey towards a healthier life.
Mrinal
Mumbai, Ekam Surgery support Program
Meet Mrinal (name changed), a beneficiary of the Ekam Surgery Support Program in Mumbai. When she was five months old, Mrinal's health struggles - cold, breathlessness, and blackening in fingernails - prompted necessary investigations, revealing a congenital heart defect. The proactive doctor performed her first surgery at seven months, but further consultation indicated the need for another heart surgery (Tricuspid Atresia s/p BD Glenn). The total treatment cost was daunting for Mrinal's parents, who, undeterred, sought support from trusts aiding less privileged children. Ekam Foundation Mumbai promptly stepped in, making the second surgery possible. Post successful intervention, the elated parents returned home to Panvel with their child, a testament to hope and the crucial support provided by Ekam Foundation Mumbai.
Shobita Khanna
Kolkata, Ekam Surgery support Program
Six-year-old Shobita (name changed), a bright student from Howrah, Kolkata, was diagnosed with a severe steroid-resistant strain of Systemic Onset Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in 2016. The treatment required four injections for which the expenses were to be paid over three installments of six months each. During the intermittent periods of relief after the initial treatment, Shobita tried to resume schooling but again faced challenges as her fever persisted, and the impact of the steroid-heavy medicine took a toll on her spirits. In late 2017, she returned to the hospital for another round of treatment. Ekam Foundation Mumbai, newly partnered with hospitals in Kolkata, took on Shobita's case referred by a local hospital, and generously supported her case in 2018-2019. Shobita responded well to the medications and is now on her way to good health.
Monisha Vankudothu
Hyderabad, Ekam Surgery support Program
Monisha, a 10th-grade student from Margadarshini High School, Yellandu (A.P.), faced a health crisis on her birthday, collapsing and prompting a visit to the local doctor. Subsequently, she became thin and nervous, reluctant to eat. Her parents sought medical attention at MNJ Hospital, Hyderabad, where she was diagnosed with Blood Cancer in 2017. Monisha underwent chemotherapy at MNJ Hospital.. Her father, the family's sole earner, struggled with irregular employment as a computer engineer. Her mother is a housewife, and the parents also supported Monisha's elder sister in 12th grade and a younger brother in 8th grade. The burden of school fees and Monisha's treatment costs weighed heavily on the family. Ekam Foundation Mumbai stepped in to support Monisha's treatment costs, allowing her to return to school and lead a normal life. The financial burden on the family was eased, highlighting the transformative impact of the foundation's assistance.
Ritik Amle
Badlapur, Ekam Surgery support Program
Ritik Amle is a 5-year-old boy from Badlapur. His father is a labourer and his mother is a housewife. Ritik has a younger sister, Vanshika who is his donor.
Ritik was 1 year old when he started getting constant fever. After going through several tests, Ritik was diagnosed with Thalassemia Major. Ritik had to undergo blood transfusion twice a month. Doctors suggested he undergo Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) as a part of his treatment, and the cost was estimated to be above Rs. 8 lakhs.
Ritik underwent BMT in August 2022 and continues to lead a healthy life taking recommended precautions and follow up checks.
“We are very thankful to Ekam Foundation Mumbai for their support towards our son’s treatment” – Ritik’s Mother.
Adarsh Gend
Solapur, Ekam Surgery support Program
Adarsh Gend, a 6-year-old from Solapur, faced a health crisis at 11 months, diagnosed with Thalassemia. His father, Ajit, the family's sole earner, had already taken loans for his brother's accident treatment. After going through several rounds of blood transfusion every month, Adarsh needed a Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) estimated at Rs. 18,00,000. Ekam Foundation Mumbai stepped in as one of the enablers. Adarsh successfully underwent BMT in May 2022, and was discharged after a month. Facing financial challenges, the family expresses gratitude to Ekam Foundation for crucial assistance, and Adarsh eagerly looks forward to returning to school and playing cricket.
Khushi Kumari
Bihar, Ekam Surgery support Program
Khushi Kumari, an 11-year-old from Bihar, faced cardiac issues since birth due to a mishap during her bath at a private hospital. Her father, a security guard, couldn't afford her treatment and refused to take care of her due to the financial burden. She continued to have health concerns and was being brought up by her maternal grandfather. Doctors at the Mahavir Heart Hospital, Patna, recommended intracardiac repair of TOF, as a part of her treatment, costing Rs. 2,80,000. The surgery was planned based on hospital concessions, and Ekam Foundation Mumbai stepped in as an enabler. Khushi successfully underwent surgery, recovered, and resumed school, bringing joy to her family in their challenging circumstances.