At the age of 13, Anishka, who had always been a healthy and cheerful child, began experiencing tiredness and a lack of energy. Despite undergoing medication and iron supplements for over a year, her complaints persisted. In January 2023, a chest X-ray and an MRI confirmed her diagnosis of ASD.
In July 2023, Anishka underwent heart surgery to correct her ASD. Throughout her journey, she has been an immense source of strength for her family, always maintaining a smile on her face and caring for those around her, even during her hospital stay in the ICU, where she constantly checked on her younger brother, Sahir, and the whole family. Now aged 16 Anishka started a new school this year and has keenly returned to her passion, playing tennis, and she also enjoys creative activities like knitting, crocheting, and embroidery.The family learned about HeartKids during their hospital stay. HeartKids provided emotional support through relatable stories and offered invaluable assistance during their hospital stay. To mum, Richa,
Anishka mum, Richa.“Having a smiling face around you when you’re stressed is always a huge help. It feels like a great support system for somebody who is new to this and helps to know other people’s experiences.”