Shivam: The teenager we prayed for, at Kasauli Rhythm & Blues Festival
May 3, 2017 | Contributed by Simran Sagar
A few volunteers, including me were at the hospital waiting for some kids who were scheduled to arrive from Agra for their preliminary check-ups, all showing signs of suffering from heart disorder. Shivam arrived with his father, he could hardly walk, his lips blue, and panting for air. He was curled up in fetal position, and extremely uncomfortable. His dad was pacing the hospital floors, anxiety naturally at its highest. I remember feeling panic within myself, reaching out for the father and asking if perhaps the boy needed water? But his father told me this was normal, he didn’t need water, this is how his son had been suffering, and the long journey had taken its toll on Shivam.
Shivam, is 15 years old, from Agra and studying in class V. We ensured that he saw the doctors first, as in his condition the diagnosis and next steps were crucial. His father Devi Singh is a laborer, and had brought his son himself while his wife looked after their other two children at home. Devi earns Rs 6000 per month, and had come looking for a solution for his son’s health but yet he knew he couldn’t afford surgery or expensive medical bills as it was not within his means.
Torn, between wanting the best for his son and what was possible in accordance to his earnings.
Shivam was referred to Max Hospital, in New Delhi. He was suffering from a congenital heart defect called Aortic Stenosis, which means there was narrowing of the Aortic Valve. It’s because of this condition that there was less flow of pure blood in the body and therefore the blue discoloration.
His heart was pumping at a shocking 10% – an emergency Aortic Valve ballooning was required to save his life. During the surgery Shivam suffered from a stroke, but his heart recovered and started pumping blood normally. The surgery went well, and he was shifted into a ward for recovery.
During the Kasauli Rhythm & Blues Festival that took place during the Easter Weekend, the festival prayed for Shivam’s recovery as he had undergone a stroke and we needed to create positive vibes, ones for healing to give this boy the chance he deserved to live.
It took him a couple of days to start eating normally, but the day we went to visit him he took his first mouthful of custard and looked like he was on a positive road to recovery. His mother was by his side, and both parents joined hands to thank us for helping save the life of their son. Our hearts were filled with warmth that we were able to save Shivam’s little heart by providing the funds that were required for his surgery.
Now, he is on long term follow up and has returned to Agra back to his normal life, free from the difficulties he was facing earlier from this life threatening illness.
