Watson is a student from Haiti. He lives with his grandparents in Port-au-Prince, and attends a local college where he is seeking a degree in business. Watson has a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. One of the four valves of his heart does not open and close properly as the result of an infection he suffered earlier in childhood.
Watson will fly to the United States to receive treatment. On May 8, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will remove his damaged valve and implant a mechanical replacement. Another organization, The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano, is contributing $46,000 to pay for surgery.
Watson’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 Watson’s family overseas.
He says, “I have been looking forward to this surgery for years, and am glad that I can finally have it!”