Michenaida is a student from Haiti. She lives with her parents, two brothers, and two sisters. She enjoys attending school, as well as going to church and singing hymns. Michenaida has a cardiac condition called pulmonary valve atresia. Among other defects, including at least two holes in the heart, Michenaida was born without one of her four heart valves. Her multiple conditions leave her weak and short of breath. If not treated, they would lead to heart failure.
Michenaida will fly to Cayman Islands to receive treatment. On November 6, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which she will first be assessed with a catheter to determine the plan for treatment, and then if found to be operable will be taken to the operating room for closure of the defects. Another organization, Have a Heart Cayman, is contributing $22,000 to pay for surgery.
Michenaida'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 Michenaida's family overseas.
Michenaida's mother said, "Our family is all praying that our daughter's heart can be made normal so she can be healthy and active."