Jean has a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect and pulmonary hypertension. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of his heart; blood leaks through this hole without passing through his lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath.
Earlier this year, he underwent a procedure called a cardiac catheterization to confirm that his condition can be repaired, and now he is ready to have surgery. Jean lives with his parents and two siblings in a mountain village in northern Haiti; his parents are both farmers. He is in the fourth grade and enjoys going to school.
Jean’s mother said, “I am very happy that after many years of hoping and praying, Jean can finally have this operation!”