The Impact of the "Mending Kids' Hearts" Programme on Children's Lives
- Aga Khan University Hospital’s Role in Treating Congenital Heart Disease
- Fundraising for a Cause: The Annual Golf Tournament Supports Life-Saving Surgery
- Over 3,000 Lives Saved: A Look at the Success of the Programme
- Congenital Heart Disease in Pakistan: A Growing Concern for Newborns
- The Power of Donor Support in Providing Life-Saving Cardiac Care
- Celebrating Sportsmanship: Highlights from AKUH’s Annual Golf Tournament
- A Glimpse Into the Future: How the Programme Continues to Give Children a Second Chance
Two years ago, little Kawish’s parents were living their worst nightmare. At just two months old, their baby boy was diagnosed with holes in his heart, a condition that threatened to cut his life short. The doctors at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) reassured them that the defect was operable, but the cost of surgery was a daunting obstacle for Kawish’s family.
That’s when the “Mending Kids’ Hearts” programme at AKUH stepped in. Thanks to the generosity of donors, the programme covered the cost of the surgery, allowing Kawish to receive life-saving treatment. Today, the once fragile baby boy is a vibrant two-year-old, running, laughing, and enjoying the carefree life that every child deserves—thanks to the expertise of AKUH and the kindness of donors.
This Sunday, December 22, over 100 corporate players gathered for AKUH’s Annual Golf Tournament, a vital fundraising event supporting the “Mending Kids’ Hearts” programme. This initiative provides life-saving surgical care to children suffering from Congenital Heart Disease (CHD), a condition that affects thousands of children in Pakistan. Since its launch in 2015, the programme has successfully saved over 3,000 young lives.
CHD is the most common congenital defect in Pakistan, impacting more than 60,000 newborns annually and contributing to high under-five mortality rates. However, with timely intervention, 90% of these cases are treatable, allowing children to live healthy, productive lives.
AKUH is one of the few institutions in Pakistan offering neonatal cardiac surgeries, handling advanced procedures like arterial switches and neonatal arch surgeries. The hospital’s expertise ensures that even the most complex cases are treated with care and precision.
“There is no greater joy than witnessing a child take their first steps toward a healthy and happy future—a future that might not have been possible without the generosity of our donors and the unwavering dedication of our team,” said Dr. Farhat Abbas, Chief Executive Officer of AKUH. “Each child we help is a story of hope, courage, and resilience. Events like the Annual Golf Tournament remind us of the incredible things we can achieve when we unite for a cause bigger than ourselves.”
The Annual Golf Tournament has grown into a premier event, demonstrating the strength of collaboration between the public and private sectors, and the tangible impact that can be made. Each swing during the tournament brought participants closer to mending hearts—both literally and figuratively.
Siddique Sons’ team triumphed in this year’s tournament, claiming the coveted winning trophy. The team showcased exceptional skill and teamwork throughout the event. ARY’s team fought valiantly, finishing as the runner-up after several competitive rounds.
A standout moment in the tournament was Abdul Raffay’s award of the “Longest Drive” honour for his impressive 322-yard drive, which highlighted the individual talent on display.
“Thank you to all the wonderful donors and players who came together today. Your participation in this tournament is more than just a round of golf—it’s a lifeline for children battling congenital heart disease,” said Zahra Somani, AKUH’s Chief Advancement Officer.
With every effort, AKUH’s “Mending Kids’ Hearts” programme continues to give children like Kawish a chance at life, proving that when communities come together, miracles can happen.