Ihtesham

Ihtesham is 3 years old and has been diagnosed with type 3 von Willebrands. Along with his bleeding disorder, Ihtesham has significantly delayed cognitive development. His developmental delays are a concern to the doctor and follow up treatment is recommended. His local treatment center for care is a 20-minute ride by motor bike. Often, factor is not available so Ihteshams bleeds are usually treated with ice and rest. The high level of medical care that Ihtesham requires is a strain on his very poor family. Ihtesham lives with his parents, grandparents, three aunts, two older sisters and his older brother Muzammil. Muzammils also has von Willebrands, a severe cognitive disability and epilepsy. Ihteshams father works as a manual laborer, earning only $70 a month to support their large family. Members of the family speak Urdu. None of them are able to read or write in English. Ihteshams family rents a three-room house in the village of D.I. Khan in Pakistan. Their home is constructed of mud and palm. It is in very poor condition and in need of major repairs or complete reconstruction. The home has electricity and water, but no refrigerator. Meals are cooked outside over a charcoal fire. Sponsorship funds will be used to pay for Ihteshams health care, food, and basic needs.