The Heart of Our Family is Failing

My mom, Swati Shirgaonkar, has always been the one to take care of everyone else. She is the first to offer a helping hand and the last to ask for one. Today, the woman who has given so much love to the world is fighting for her very life.

The Diagnosis & Current Crisis

Recently, Mom was diagnosed with Severe Aortic Stenosis, a life-threatening condition where her heart’s main valve has narrowed, forcing her heart to work dangerously hard just to pump blood. This has led to Congestive Heart Failure, leaving her exhausted, struggling for every breath, and currently in critical condition.

Our Urgent Reality

Mom is currently on a ventilator in the ICU. While her medical team determined that her only chance for survival is a TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation)—a minimally invasive procedure to replace her failing valve—her condition has become increasingly complex.

As of March 18, 2026, she requires a Tracheostomy to help her breathe, leading to extended ICU stays. With hospital costs exceeding $7,000–$10,000 CAD per day, our family is facing a mountain we cannot climb alone. – We have put this plan on Hold as its exhausting everything and needs long term care

The Plan: Bringing Mom Home

Because of the astronomical ongoing costs in Canada (already exceeding $160,000 for the past 32 days), our goal is to stabilize her and transport her via Air Stretcher to Mumbai, India, on April 3, 2026. This will allow her to receive the long-term specialized care she needs.

How Your Donation Helps

We are facing a total financial requirement of over $250,000 CAD. Every dollar raised goes directly toward:

• The Surgery & Valve: $65,000 (The specialized TAVI valve alone is a significant portion of this cost).

• Air Stretcher & Medical Transport (Toronto to Mumbai): $55,000 (Planned for April 3rd).

• Past & Current Hospital/ICU Fees: $170,000+ (Accrued from Feb 28 – April 3).

• Tracheostomy & Specialized Surgery: $20,000. (Currently on Hold)

• Recovery & Long-term Care: Costs for ICU rehabilitation and medications to ensure her heart heals.

Every Dollar is a Heartbeat

No contribution is too small. Whether it is $10 or $1,000, every cent goes toward giving my Mom more time with her children, her grandchildren, and her loved ones.

If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this link with your network. Your voice is just as powerful as a donation.

Thank you for your prayers, your kindness, and for helping us keep our mom's heart beating.

With love and gratitude,

Sameer Shirgaonkar