Gopika Vijayan, a 14-year-old girl from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, required specialised treatment for a heart condition and underwent PABV (Percutaneous Aortic Balloon Valvuloplasty).

In 2023, Gopika received specialised cardiac treatment at Apollo Hospital. PABV is a catheter-based procedure used to widen a narrowed aortic valve, helping improve blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body and support healthier cardiac function.

Access to timely specialised cardiac care enabled Gopika to receive the treatment she required. Her journey highlights the importance of making advanced heart care accessible to children and teenagers and how financial assistance and fundraising initiatives can help families facing the cost of specialised cardiac treatment.