Little Girl, Big Heart: Waiting for Word on Tharshala
By James A. Mitchell
VeAhavta Press Officer
Grace Care Center Manager Diane McLaughlin breathed a sigh of relief when told that a surgical procedure is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 25, to mend the damaged heart of Tharshala Mahendran. The 11-year-old relative newcomer to the children's home was determined to require open-heart surgery to repair a hole in her heart.
Tharshala, identifiable to VeAhavta visitors for her beaming smile and playful personality, was diagnosed last month after doctors discovered what they thought was a heart murmur. Instead, exploratory procedures last week were unable to mend the hole that was discovered, and more invasive surgery will be required.
Dr. Shehan Perera told McLaughlin and Daisy Soundranayagam, Grace Girls Home Program Director, that a "Presidential fund" was available to cover half of the cost of the procedure, and the balance would be waived.
"Once again, the good Lord is watching over our work here," Diane said, "and sharing his love with both the Sinhalese and Tamil doctors here."
Tharshala remained a patient at Lady Ridgeway Hospital, and on Wednesday will be transported to Navaloka Hospital for the surgery.
VeAhavta founder and President Eric Parkinson asked that friends of the children's home keep Tharshala in their thoughts and prayers as she goes through what would be a difficult ordeal under the best of circumstances. Increased tensions last week in northern Sri Lanka presented additional obstacles to be overcome, but Diane, Daisy and the staff and children of Grace Home have again risen to the challenge.
