Jean Fritz is a student from Haiti. He lives in Gonaives, a city on the west coast of Haiti, where he is studying law. He enjoys computer programming as a hobby.
Jean Fritz has a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. One of the four valves of his heart does not function properly because it was severely damaged by a rheumatic fever he suffered as a teenager. As a result, his heart cannot adequately circulate blood through his body, and he is weak and in heart failure.
Jean Fritz will fly to the United States to receive treatment. On March 26, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will repair his mitral valve so that it opens and closes more normally. Another organization, The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano, is contributing $60,000 to pay for surgery.
Jean Fritz'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 Jean Fritz's family overseas.
He says, "I have been hoping for the chance for surgery for many years, and am very happy that I will soon have a repaired heart!"