!!!! PLEASE PAY WITH CREDIT CARD INSTEAD OF PAYPAL TO AVOID UNNECESSARY EXTRA FEES !!!

(or try selecting "for family and friends" in Paypal, otherwise we end up spending a lot of the money on Paypal fees)

Leo Desouza from Chennai, India, is urgently looking for support helping to pay the mounting medical costs for his 6 months-old baby daughter Alvina, who was recently diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Severe Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction and limited Heart Pumping (EF) – Only 22% to 30% (as opposed to the normal range for a baby 55% to 65%)

Leo grew up in Snehalayam orphanage and became the first boy from the orphanage to go to college and complete an B.Sc in Chemistry. He is a Sales Executive and supports his family, and his widowed sister.

The current situation is vastly exceeding what his health insurance and salary cover. He earns ₹25,000/month (around 240 Euros) and the medical bills are already in the range of 3 Lakhs (just under 3000 Euros), with the hospital estimating ₹4–6 lakhs (or more) for upcoming treatments, follow-ups, and possible ICU stays.

Your contribution — no matter how small — will help us with:

• Hospital bills
• Medicines
• Follow-up ECHO tests
• Emergency ICU care (if required)
• Daily treatment expenses

More about Baby Alvina's situation

On 19th November 2025, our baby was urgently admitted to The Madras Medical Mission (MMM) due to severe breathing difficulty. After multiple tests and a pediatric echo, the doctors diagnosed her with:

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Severe Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction

Heart Pumping (EF) – Only 22% to 30% (Normal heart pumping for a baby is 55% to 65%)

Because of this, her heart is not able to pump enough blood, causing breathing issues, feeding problems, and the need for continuous monitoring.

The doctor treating her is Dr. K. Sivakumar (Paediatric Cardiologist) at MMM Hospital. She has been prescribed: Furosemide Aldactone Enalapril Continuous follow-up Possible ICU observation depending on condition.

The treatment is long-term, and we have been advised for repeated reviews, medicines, tests, and possible admission if her EF does not improve.

More about Leo's story

My name is Leo Desouza, and my entire life has been a journey of struggle, survival, faith, and the kindness of good-hearted people.

My childhood struggles

I was born to Elias (father) and Mary (mother). I am the third son in the family. My father worked as a coolie, selling broomsticks. His income was not regular, and whatever he earned was often spent on alcohol. Many nights, he used to beat all of us badly.

When I was studying in 4th standard, one night the violence became unbearable. My father beat my mother very badly. Crying and scared, we ran out of the house and wandered the streets of Pondicherry for 2–3 days without food. We slept near a church in Villianur.

A church father guided us to Snehalayam, run by Tojo Appa & Leela Aunty. A kind lady on the street helped us reach the home.

Snehalayam – My Second Family

When we explained our situation, Tojo Appa immediately accepted me and my brother Das.

My studies had stopped in 4th standard, but with their support:

I studied 6th through tuition

Passed the 8th standard exam for dropouts

Completed 10th & 12th with 65%

Became the first boy from Snehalayam to join college Completed B.Sc Chemistry

I also took care of younger children, elderly members, and helped in the house.

During college, my father passed away. This put the entire responsibility of my family on my shoulders. We had no proper house; we lived in a small hut. After college, I joined a jewellery company as a Sales Executive. Then I received the heartbreaking news that Tojo Appa passed away, and I rushed to attend the funeral.

Lockdown was a very difficult time as I had no salary and our family struggled daily with not having enough food to eat.

My Daughter’s Critical Heart Condition

My baby daughter Alvina Feroslin is now facing a serious heart problem. Her heart pumping level is 31% (normal is 50–60%). She struggles to breathe and feed. We have been moving from one hospital to another.

My insurance is almost fully used. Now every test, scan, medicine, doctor visit — everything is coming from my pocket. I am mentally, physically, and financially exhausted.

Despite earning just ₹25,000 per month, I handle all responsibilities alone: Supporting my elder sister (a widow for 8 years) Supporting my mother (aged 60) Taking care of my family, rent, EMI, and baby’s medical needs

My Humble Request

With folded hands, I am requesting your prayers, financial support, and blessings to save my daughter Alvina Feroslin’s life.

I am so grateful to have been helped many times in my life.

Today, again, I am standing in a very critical situation. Any amount, big or small, will help continue her treatment. Your kindness can save my child’s life.

From my heart, Thank you.

God bless you and your families abundantly.