SJ is a 15-year-old boy living with Endocardial Cushion Defect — a congenital heart condition that affects the walls separating the heart chambers. This condition severely impacts cardiac function and can cause a range of debilitating symptoms, including shortness of breath, chronic fatigue, poor weight gain, and delayed physical development. As a result, SJ experiences significant limitations in his daily life, particularly in performing physical activities that most children his age can manage with ease.

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One of the most pressing challenges SJ faces is commuting to school. Due to his severe breathlessness and physical weakness, he is unable to walk long distances. In the absence of any affordable means of transportation, his mother has resorted to carrying him on her back each day to and from school. This exhausting routine has taken a serious toll on both of them — affecting SJ’s school attendance and academic performance, while placing a tremendous physical and emotional burden on his mother.

The family lives in extreme poverty. Their circumstances are compounded by social isolation, emotional stress, and a chronic lack of access to essential resources. SJ is visibly malnourished, and his condition is exacerbated by the lack of proper nutrition, which is critical for a child with a complex heart condition. Without consistent access to food, medical supplies, or basic household necessities, his health and overall well-being continue to decline.

SJ’s mother is doing everything she can to care for her son, but without a stable source of income or external support, her efforts are constrained by poverty. There is an urgent need to economically empower her, not only to meet their day-to-day needs, but also to reduce the physical strain she endures and improve SJ’s quality of life. Providing her with capital to start a small business or an income-generating activity would be a transformative step. With a stable income, she could afford transportation for SJ, ensure he has access to nutritious food, and support his continued education — all of which are vital for his health and long-term prospects.

Investing in the mother’s economic stability is, ultimately, an investment in SJ’s life, health, and future. With the right support, this family can regain dignity, resilience, and hope in the face of enormous challenges.

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