CHICAGO: Pakistan Children’s Heart Foundation North America organized a fundraising event for treatment of children suffering from congenital heart diseases at local banquet hall in Villa Park, Illinois in which Pakistani community once again set an example of their generosity and compassion by donating more than $450,000.
Pakistan’s world-renowned former cricketers Wasim Akram and Misbah-ul-Haq also attended the event. Misbah-ul-Haq and Wasim Akram’s signed T-shirts, bats and balls were also offered for auction, which raised a considerable amount of money.
The event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran. Pakistan Children’s Heart Foundation North America president Dr. Ali Zaidi, vice president Qasim Khan, director Dr. Qaiser Bashir and founder Farhan Ahmed highlighted the foundation’s performance and future plans.
Pakistan’s Consul General in Chicago Tariq Karim also attended the event. The event was moderated by Pakistan’s famous anchor and actor Fakhr Alam.
PCHFNA’s president, Dr. Ali Zaidi, said that 50 percent of children suffering from heart diseases worldwide are found in just four countries: Pakistan, India, China, and Indonesia. He said that it is our mission is to provide complete, quality, and free treatment to every such child in Pakistan.
Farhan Ahmed, who founded the foundation in 2012, said that this is not just a hospital, but the hope of thousands of children who are waiting for life-saving surgery at the Children’s Heart Hospital in Lahore.
Vice President Qasim Khan said that this is a national problem, and the solution of which is possible only with the help of specialized hospitals and trained doctors. He said that our goal is to provide high-quality treatment at a low cost. Director Dr. Qaiser Bashir appealed to the Chicago community to be a part of this mission and help provide access to treatment to every child.
Former Pakistan cricket team captains Wasim Ikram and Misbah-ul-Haq praised the fundraising campaign for the treatment of children.
Wasim Akram said that due to the cost of treatment, most parents are not be able to get timely medical help for treatment of their children and we have to collectively ensure that no child loses his or her life due to lack of resources.
Misbah-ul-Haq said that it is an honor for him to be a part of such good deeds. Local businessman Munir Chaudhry also made significant financial contributions to make this campaign more effective.
