Bedens is a baby from Haiti. He lives with his parents on an island off the west coast of Haiti. His father is a local radio presenter, and his mother cares for him at home.
Bedens has a cardiac condition called coarctation of the aorta. A portion of his aorta has a muscular blockage, causing blood to back up into his heart and leading to heart failure.
Bedens will fly to United States to receive treatment. On March 20, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will cut out the blockage in his aorta so that blood can flow more freely. Another organization, Akron Children's Hospital, is contributing $35,000 to pay for surgery.
Bedens'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 Bedens's family overseas.
His father says, "My entire family is very grateful for this opportunity to save my son's life!"