KOTTAYAM: The hopes and prayers have been met with disappointment. Ann Maria (Achu-17), the daughter of Joy found solace in a realm without suffering. Two months ago, Ann Maria experienced a heart attack and fainted in the church. She had been in the intensive care unit of the hospital for the past 64 days.

Relatives and locals held onto the anticipation that Ann Maria, who had been transferred from Ernakulam Amrita Hospital to Kottayam Caritas Hospital on the 26th of the previous month would regain her health and return to her loved ones. However, her condition worsened due to an infection. On Friday, at 11:49 pm, Ann Maria peacefully closed her eyes leaving everyone in sorrow. Despite the dedicated efforts of the medical teams from the departments of ENT, cardiology, pulmonology, neurology and critical care, Ann Maria, who had battled a rare heart disease succumbed to her illness.

The heart attack had occurred on June 1st at 6:30 in the morning during Mass at St. Thomas Church in Irattayar. This unfortunate event took place just a day after her aunt's funeral, as she knelt in prayer during the church service. Immediately after fainting, she was swiftly taken to a nearby hospital and subsequently transferred to Ernakulam Amrita Hospital for specialized treatment. Given the severity of her condition and the challenging journey due to the rugged terrain, Minister Roshi Augustin intervened to clear the way for the ambulance transporting Ann Maria. The media, police and social media groups rallied to ensure a smooth passage for the ambulance. With the collective efforts of the people the ambulance covered the 132 km distance from Kattappana St. John's Hospital to Amrita Hospital in two hours and 40 minutes.

Initially, there was a slight improvement in Ann Maria's health under the care of expert physicians but her condition later deteriorated. Consequently, on July 26th, she was transferred to Kottayam Caritas Hospital. Hopes remained high that Ann Maria would overcome her ailment and rejoin the realm of the living.

The funeral service will take place this afternoon at 2 pm at St. Thomas Church, Irattayar, with Mar John Nellikunnel, President of the Idukki Diocese presiding over the proceedings.

Mother: Shiny Vettikuzhakkavalapara

Siblings: Sister Alveena (FCC Vijayawada), Annliya (Canada) and Alphosa (Student at Kattappana Auxilium School)