Thank you, Mumbai! Rs 75,000 raised in days for 9 year old's MIC-KEY button surgery

Sharad Zatale and wife Nutan with Daksh. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The appeal to help nine-year-old Daksh Zatale, who underwent life-saving MIC-KEY button surgery, has received an encouraging response from Mumbaikars, with donations amounting to Rs 75,000 pouring over three days, after his story was highlighted by mid-day.

The first half of the MIC-KEY surgery was performed on Daksh on Tuesday. "Daksh was running a fever till Monday evening. As his fever subsided we decided to operate. We took him in around 5.15 pm. He was shifted to NICU at 1 am. His surgery went well," said one of the operating doctors.

However, the struggle hasn't ended. "Right now the MIC-KEY button is yet to be put. The doctors have inserted tubes for now. The button will be put only after three months once his incisions are healed," said Nutan Zatale, his mother, adding that doctors have given strict instructions to ensure Daksh does not catch any infection.

Expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support, Sharad Zatale, Daksh's father, said, "We thank mid-day and Mumbai. Since 2021, when we moved here, we have seen the city's spirit in many ways. But this time we saw the big heart of Mumbaikars. Whatever the situation, whoever the person, the city comes together and supports them."

The quick response has brought immense relief to the family, who had been anxiously awaiting financial assistance to proceed with the surgery.

In numbers

Rs 10
Lowest amount donated

Rs 7,100
Highest amount donated

Rs 75,000
Total donation in three days

Rs 1,20,000
Cost of surgery

2021
Year family moved to Mumbai