My name is Parwinder Kaur, I am a 27 year old, international student from India, currently living and studying in Manitoba, Canada. I recently graduated with a degree in human resources. My dream is to one day become a permanent resident of Canada.

On January 28th 2021 I was admitted to hospital due to chest pain and shortness of breath. I was diagnosed with an anomalous left main coronary artery with compression my pulmonary vein. This caused a lack of oxygen to my heart muscle resulting in poor heart function. The solution was to have open heart surgery. What was suppose to be 5 day stay turned into over 2.5 months of complications and set backs. I have survived eight open heart surgeries during my stay at St.Boniface Hospital. I now have a device called a Heart Mate 3 permanently implanted in me to help the left side of my heart pump blood throughout my body.

Unfortunately this type of severe illness and the HeartMate pump are not covered by my student insurance. I have a long road of recovery ahead of me but I have hope.

I would be very grateful for any help you could provide me and family during this difficult and stressful time.  

Thank you,
Parwinder