Story

Affan’s Journey: A Father’s Desperate Fight for His Son’s Health

My son, Affan, was born on May 20, 2022, and from the moment he came into our lives, we knew he was a special soul. But as time went on, we noticed that something wasn’t right. Affan’s body wasn’t growing the way it should be, and as a parent, it was heartbreaking to watch him struggle in ways no child should. I took him to many doctors, hoping to find answers, but the uncertainty only deepened our pain.

Finally, after countless tests and consultations, we received the results: Affan’s growth hormone levels were dangerously low. The doctor’s words were like a cold weight on my heart. My baby, my precious son, was not growing properly, and the cause of his illness was beyond anything we had imagined. The doctors started treatment with growth hormone insulin, but the response was not as expected—Affan’s body remained weak and frail, and it felt like we were losing him, piece by piece.

The doctors told us that Affan requires genetic testing to determine the root cause of his condition, but tragically, this testing is unavailable in Pakistan. Desperate to save my son, I reached out to hospitals in the United States, hoping that the care he needed would be available there. After much anticipation, I was finally given an appointment at the renowned Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. For a brief moment, I felt hope—the kind of hope that only a parent can feel when they think they’ve found the help their child so desperately needs.

But that hope was shattered when I was told that the treatment cost would be $72,689.34. I felt my heart sink. How could I ever afford such a staggering amount? As a father, it breaks me to know that my son’s health depends on something beyond my control—money. I have a small business, Aftab Tech Zone, but it is nowhere near enough to cover these costs. Every day, I wake up to the overwhelming weight of responsibility. How do I explain to Affan one day that I couldn’t get him the treatment he needed? How do I live with that failure?

As I navigate through this unimaginable hardship, I am also battling my own health struggles. I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and the constant stress and worry are making it even harder to stay strong for my son. But I can’t give up on him. He is my world, and I will fight for him with everything I have, no matter how impossible it feels.

Today, I am reaching out to you, hoping that you might find it in your heart to help my son. Affan deserves a chance to grow, to live a life free of pain, and to experience the joy that every child should. I am asking for your support to help cover the costs of his treatment in the United States. Every little contribution will bring us one step closer to giving Affan the chance he so desperately needs.

This journey has been filled with heartbreak, confusion, and fear, but I refuse to give up on my son. Please, I humbly ask for your help in bringing Affan the care he needs to survive and thrive. My family will be eternally grateful for any support you can provide, and we will keep you in our prayers, hoping that your kindness and generosity will help us find the miracle that Affan so desperately deserves.