Heart Surgery for 10-year-old Faris

Hi, guys - I'm writing this on behalf of my father. This is a cause that is very near and dear to his heart, so I hope you will give it a read. We are seeking help for a family friend. 

The photo below is of a young boy named Muhammad Faris Rahman and his family. In most respects, he is as normal a boy as any other. He lives with his father, mother, and two siblings in Lahore, Pakistan.



The difference is that Muhammad desperately needs heart surgery, and his family is unable to help him. When Muhammad turned 9, his family learned that he has a rare heart defect called Ebstein's anomaly which came to light when Muhammad collapsed while running. Ebstein's anomaly manifests as a defect of the tricuspid valve - the valve inbetween the right heart chambers. Due to this defect, Muhammad's heart is working inefficiently, and he is at risk of enlargement of the heart, and heart failure.

Muhammad's father works in a bank, and struggles to make ends meet for his family. His parents have never been able to afford the proper medical care to treat Muhammad's condition due to the complexity of the surgery required, yet treatment for Faris is possible in the United States. For Muhammad and his family - without the help of others - traveling to the U.S. for treatment is simply impossible. 

The goal of this GoFundMe is to help Muhammad's family with the cost of travel, and the necessary treatment he needs. My father was able to get into contact with Dr. Joseph Dearani - a leading cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic - and he agreed to perform the surgery that would save Faris' life. Information about Dr. Dearani can be seen here: Dr. Joseph Dearani - Mayo Clinic 

In regards to Muhammad's heart, Dr. Dearani said, "In his case, his heart has to work double or triple than [how] it would work normally, so if Muhammad is growing up and the heart is working faster, it will have to stop someday because it won’t be able to respond to this." 

The surgery has been reschedule on August 30, 2017, as we were unable to raise the funds in time for the previous date. We are hoping to help raise the amount needed for Muhammad's operation ASAP to allow for his operation to be performed.

The total cost of Muhammad's surgery, including his passport, visa, travel, the surgery itself and follow-up care, combine for an estimated cost of between $125,000 to $175,000. Providing an exact figure for the cost of the surgery is impossible due to the possibility of complications arising during surgery. Muhammad and his family know this is a large sum, but they are praying for the kindness of others. 

Who says a few dollars can't go far today? When thousands of people can part from just a few dollars, amazing things can happen. By working together, we can help accomplish a miracle for Muhammad and his family, God-willing. Faris' parents describe him as a smart child who never causes them grief, and they love him dearly. If possible, please donate! If not, do not be troubled - click share! We would love for as many people as possible to be exposed to Muhammad's unique situation. Your prayers are also readily accepted as a form of donation :). 

Please keep Muhammad and his family in your prayers. Jazakullah Khayran!