Michelot is a student from Haiti. He lives in a small village in southwest Haiti with his mother and other relatives. He attends a high school near his home, although he often misses days of class because of his illness.
Michelot has a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. One of the four valves of his heart is damaged because of an infection he suffered earlier in childhood, and it cannot adequately pump blood through his body.
Michelot will fly to the United States to receive treatment. On November 7, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will remove his damaged valve and implant an artificial replacement. Another organization, The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano, is contributing $35,000 to pay for surgery.
Michelot’s family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, and checkup and followup appointments. It also supports passport obtainment and the social workers from our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Michelot’s family overseas.
He says, “I have been praying for a long time that one day I could get my heart fixed. I am very happy to have this chance!”