At just one year old, Kanishk from Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, was facing a serious congenital heart condition. He was diagnosed with a moderate-sized muscular Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), along with a dilated left ventricle. His condition required timely cardiac treatment so that he could have the opportunity to grow up healthy and enjoy the childhood he deserved.

Kanishk was evaluated at Fortis Hospital, Manesar, Gurugram, where doctors advised corrective cardiac treatment. The estimated cost of the procedure, including hospitalisation, was ₹2,75,000, with an expected hospital stay of approximately 7–8 days for treatment and recovery.

For Kanishk’s family, this was an overwhelming financial burden. His father, Puneet Rahul, is the family’s sole earning member and works as a helper, earning approximately ₹12,000 per month. With a documented annual family income of ₹1,44,000, arranging ₹2.75 lakh for Kanishk’s treatment was far beyond what the family could reasonably afford.

Through the Little Heartbeats initiative, Raise India Foundation stepped in to support Kanishk and his family. Fortis Hospital extended a concession towards the treatment, bringing down the amount that needed to be arranged. Raise India Foundation took responsibility for the remaining treatment cost of ₹2,60,000, helping ensure that financial hardship would not prevent Kanishk from accessing the cardiac care he needed.

For Kanishk, this support means more than meeting a medical expense. It represents the possibility of a healthier childhood, of growing up without his congenital heart condition defining his early years, and of having the chance to play, learn and dream like every child should.

Kanishk’s story reflects what Little Heartbeats stands for: ensuring that a child’s access to essential healthcare is not determined by their family’s financial circumstances. By coming together at a critical moment, we can help little hearts move towards stronger and healthier futures.