Buccleuch heart hero celebrates 10 year anniversary of first open heart surgery
Ayaan has been diagnosed with tricuspid atresia type 2C, pulmonary vein stenosis, and a complex heart and lung.
It has been 10 years since young Buccleuch resident Ayaan Bhoopal had his first open-heart surgery.
Ayaan has had six heart surgeries to date. The Sandton Chronicle has followed his story since he was five year’s old. Ayaan’s mother Seshma Bhoopal, who is a teacher at Buccleuch Primary School, reflected on the start of the journey saying, “Our lives changed 360. It was almost like a whirlwind that came so fast yet so swiftly and suddenly blew. A wind that still blows strongly today. “From his first operation on 25 June 2010, I knew the focus had to be on fighting a battle of a lifetime in a journey unknown,” said Seshma.
Did she adds that in 2010, Ayaan became a statistic: one in 100 are born with a ‘broken’ heart. Ayaan has been diagnosed with tricuspid atresia type 2C, pulmonary vein stenosis, and a complex heart and lung. He has subsequently become a congenital heart disease (CHD) warrior and together with his mom, they seek to raise awareness about CHD in schools, hospitals and communities.
“Ayaan’s strength, courage and determination from the spark in his eyes to the strength in his scarring body was an immediate indication of the brave heart warrior that he was going to become.”Yes, life changed immediately, but it brought along a shift from the regular to an absolutely rewarding journey. The values, joy and knowledge that this journey has brought us is immeasurable to the challenges,” said Seshma.
She added that the lockdown and the threat of Covid-19 had been a tough pill for Ayaan to swallow.”The long isolation has brought about some tears and depressed moments for him. However, he has a strong, joyful mindset to quickly lift his own spirit? He still finds a reason to smile and be mischievous.”Professor Rob Kinsley, who has conducted all of Ayaan’s surgeries, wrote ahead of the 10th anniversary of Ayaan’s first surgery saying, “Ayaan, you have my greatest admiration. What a fighter; what an example to anyone faced with adversity.”
Paediatric cardiologist Dr Jeffrey Harrisberg, who diagnosed Ayaan, said the following about his character: “His attitude to life is invigorating and I have learnt many lessons from him about the way we should all be approaching our destiny. He enthuses a positive attitude to his underlying serious cardiac condition as well as his approach to life, which is something we should all be adopting.”Paediatrician Dr Vasanthie Pillay praised Ayaan’s community of supporters saying, “From their immediate family to school colleagues to a large contingent of close friends, Ayaan’s repeated ability to transcend his grave medical issues is no doubt a large part due to the wonderful love that surrounds him constantly.”
Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/248238/watch-learn-about-ayaan-bhoopals-story-this-chd-week/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/266571/high-risk-patient-shows-courage/
