Heart Matters: Heart does not understand religion: Part-1

Chennai

Everything had been fine till 1½ year old Abu (name changed) fell unconscious. His parents Noor and Ahmed took him to doctors in their hometown Bhatkal (North Karnataka). The specialists they consulted gave them no hope. Everyone agreed that he required expensive, high-risk surgeries. Though they gave no hope, Noor and Ahmed were hopeful, as the MNC Ahmed worked for owned a sophisticated hospital in Mumbai. Unfortunately, the chief cardiac surgeon there also agreed with the earlier specialists. He suggested that they consult Dr. K.M. Cherian, his close friend in Chennai. Dr. Cherian, he felt would offer their child the best chance.

This first sign of hope brought cheer to Noor, but it was short-lived. Ahmed abandoned the family saying she was responsible for their son’s condition. Young Noor, all alone and scared had no idea what to do. But she had one conviction, “I will save my son, come what may.”

She reached Dr. Cherian’s Frontier Lifeline (FLL) in Chennai with her 65 year old mother for company. Much to her distress, she got the same prognosis even here. That blue babies, with a hole in their heart, can be born to normal healthy mothers (or parents). One needs to be very alert to catch the symptoms early.  

The babies tire easily from small exertions. Even sucking milk tires them. They stop feeding and turn blue from lack of oxygen as oxygenated and de-oxygenated blood mix. These children spend most of the time sitting in a ‘squatting’ posture to enable a better blood supply to their lungs.

Noor, however, stood firm as a ROCK with faith shining in her eyes.  It was then Dr. Cherian stepped in and took charge. He never says ‘No’ to saving lives.

Noor’s faith joined hands with Dr. Cherian’s skill. They were ready for the uphill task of saving little Abu. When the skilful hands of a surgeon are guided by his compassionate heart rather than his calculative mind, miracles happen. For Dr. Cherian and his team in FLL, such miracles are routine. FLL team handles numerous complex cases successfully which result in invaluable experience and research findings. These help in taking the treatment to the next level for the betterment of the entire humanity.

Looking at Noor’s beautiful face glowing with serenity, we asked her how she could handle such a long trauma. Her reply was astonishing. “I had to stay in the nearby temple with my Mom, eat temple “prashads”. Through it all one thing made me hold on to this hospital; they wanted to save my son as much as I wanted him back”.

Success in such cases gives Dr. Cherian and his team rare insight into complicated medical cases, augments their skills and results in learning. More importantly, it gives them more satisfaction than a big bank balance. The thrill that comes from successfully handling such complex cases keeps them committed to their exalted mission. Other impediments such as the background of the patient, inadequate resources etc. do not deter them in any way. Dr. Cherian’s compassion and thirst for learning continue to save a number of patients who approach him with only hope and little else. He is truly their last hope.

It is heartening to see the joyful mother with Abu entering the temple to collect her belongings.  She is returning to her hometown after 60 days of lone battle, which she has won with her grit! Yes! Love is blind – to religion too.