Year of Establishment
December 2022
Focus Areas
Healthcare
Geographical Areas of Operations
Sindh
Brief Overview
Friends of Little Heart is a compassionate, community-driven organization dedicated to supporting children born with congenital heart conditions and the families who care for them. Its mission focuses on improving quality of life through advocacy, education, and direct medical support. The organization provides access to essential diagnostic and treatment services, helping children receive timely evaluations, interventions, and follow-up care.
Beyond medical support, Friends of Little Heart connects families with healthcare resources, emotional support networks, and financial assistance to ease the burden of long-term heart care. It also works to raise awareness about pediatric heart disease, promoting early diagnosis and improved access to specialized treatment. Through fundraising initiatives, partnerships with medical professionals, and community outreach, Friends of Little Heart contributes to lifesaving care and ongoing research. At its core, the organization is built on empathy and solidarity—bringing together families, volunteers, and donors to ensure that no child or caregiver faces a heart journey alone.
Core Programs and Services
Friends of Little Heart provides comprehensive pediatric cardiac services designed to support early diagnosis, emergency care, and ongoing treatment. Its Cardiac High Dependency Unit (HDU) offers close monitoring and specialized care for children with critical heart conditions. The organization delivers essential diagnostic services, including echocardiography and ECG, enabling accurate and timely evaluation of heart disorders.
A dedicated cardiac emergency service ensures rapid response and stabilization during urgent situations, while the outpatient department (OPD) supports routine consultations, follow-ups, and long-term care. Friends of Little Heart also facilitates cardiac catheterisation services for both diagnostic and interventional procedures. Through strong liaison with tertiary care centers, the organization ensures seamless referrals for advanced surgeries and specialized treatments, providing children with access to the full continuum of cardiac care.
We also:
* Provide comprehensive pre-surgical evaluations, ensuring children are safely and adequately prepared for cardiac surgery
* Recently introduced cardiac catheterisation services, expanding access to advanced cardiac care
* Installed an elevator to improve accessibility and comfort for patients and families
* Organized a children’s carnival to support emotional well-being and bring joy to patients and their families
Beneficiaries
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What Makes Our Approach Distinct
Friends of Little Heart is unique in its holistic approach to pediatric cardiac care, combining advanced medical services with deep compassion. It delivers comprehensive diagnostics, critical inpatient care, pre-surgical evaluations, and newly introduced cardiac catheterisation services under one roof. This one-of-its-kind pediatric cardiac service at Dr. Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital bridges the gap between early diagnosis and advanced treatment. Beyond clinical excellence, the organization prioritizes accessibility, family support, and emotional well-being through patient-friendly infrastructure and community-centered initiatives, ensuring lifesaving heart care that is both advanced and humane.
Impact Stories
Ten-year-old Azan arrived at DRPCHK’s emergency room with a persistent fever lasting over two months, joint pain, and a recent seizure. Initial examinations revealed signs of a serious heart condition. An echocardiogram showed significant damage to his heart valves, prompting his admission for urgent cardiac care. He was treated for rheumatic heart disease and a suspected heart infection (infective endocarditis). As days passed, Azan’s condition became more complicated. He developed brain related issues, suffered a severe gut bleed, and required intensive care, including breathing support. Despite initial treatments, his infection persisted. Repeated blood tests showed ,fungal infection of the blood, for which he was immediately started antifungal medication, which led to noticeable improvement. After two months of HDU treatment at Civil Hospital (CHK), through our well stablished liaison, Azan was referred to Aga Khan University for advanced care. There, his damaged heart valve was successfully replaced with an articial (bioprosthetic) valve.
Following a month of specialized care, he was discharged and returned to us for follow-up. During a multidisciplinary team discussion, specialists identified unusual findings in Azan’s case and recommended HIV testing. The results confirmed a positive diagnosis. Azan is now receiving treatment through an HIV clinic while continuing follow-ups for his heart, nutritional health, and psychological support.
Azan’s story is one of resilience, medical teamwork, and hope—a reminder of the power of persistence in the face of life’s toughest challenges. Throughout this journey Azan’a family did not have to bear the Financial cost.
