Social media helps man raise fund to undergo life-saving surgery

A resident of Lucknow underwent a complex life-saving surgery at a city hospital with the help of funds raised through social media appeals for help.

The patient, Taqi Hassan, received Rs Eight lakhs through donations by communities from the US and Australia which was used to remove a tumour via an anterior craniofacial resection surgery.

Hassan, who worked as an electrician abroad, had an accidental fall which caused serious injuries to his head, doctors said.

He was diagnosed with a tumour on the forehead above his right eye. He underwent his first surgery in Lucknow to get it removed, said Abrar Ali Dalal, Facility Director, Fortis Flt Lt Rajan Dhall Hospital.

“Soon after, the tumour recurred twice at the same spot for which he underwent repeated surgeries. Post his fourth surgery, Taqi was mentally, physically, financially and emotionally drained.

“He had no money and had lost all hope while the tumor appeared again and was spreading rapidly to the orbit, eyeball and face, almost touching his brain cells,” Dalal said.

It was then that a relative residing in Australia suggested appealing for funds on social media and soon a sum of eight lakh was raised to assist in the surgery.

Taqi underwent anterior craniofacial resection surgery on October 13 at the hospital in a complex 16-hour long procedure.

“The previous surgeries had resulted in complications, resulting in the loss of the right eye. Our team spent days planning the surgery and when we came out of the OT after 16 hours, we knew that Taqi had helped us win the battle,” said Dr Mandeep S Malhotra, Department head of Head, Neck and Breast Oncoplasty, Fortis Flt Lt Rajan Dhall Hospital.

“A part of his brain was also affected, hence the surgery became complicated as we had to remove the skin layer of the brain. His forehead was infected and we planned to remove it. 

Bone grafting was not possible in his case so we decided to construct the skull part with skin only,” said Dr Rana Patir, Director and HOD, Neurosurgery at the hospital.

Taqi will be leading a normal life soon post check-ups and follow ups. In his words, “I had lost all hope and money. But the support of funds from generous well-wishes combined with the skills of Dr Mandeep and Dr Patir have saved my life,” Taqi said.