Shela is a student from Haiti. She lives with her parents and older brothers in a small rural community in southwest Haiti. Her parents are both farmers. She is in the third grade.
Shela has a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect and atrial septal defect. Two holes exist in her heart, one between the two upper chambers and another between the two lower chambers. Blood leaks through these holes, depriving her body of oxygen and leaving her weak and short of breath.
Shela will fly to Cayman Islands to receive treatment. On January 22, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will first perform a diagnostic catheterization to determine if it is safe to close the holes in her heart. If the result is positive, they will then perform surgery to close both holes with patches. Another organization, Health CIty Cayman Islands, is contributing $17,000 to pay for surgery.
Shela’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 Shela’s family overseas.
Her mother says, “We are very thankful to everyone who is making it possible for Shela to travel to the hospital!”