Ariel is a 13-year-old boy from the Dominican Republic who lives with his parents and three brothers. He is currently in the seventh grade and aspires to become a farmer, just like both of his parents. Ariel was born with a heart condition called coarctation of the aorta. His aorta is abnormally narrow, making it difficult for blood to pass through it. This causes his heart to pump harder to push the blood through, which leads to heart failure. Although Ariel is not Haitian, our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, is collaborating with their partners in the Dominican Republic to offer treatment to Dominican children. He will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center. First, Ariel will undergo a full cardiac assessment on February 15. This assessment will include physical exams, labs, and an overnight stay at the hospital. Haiti Cardiac Alliance is requesting $1,500 to fund these procedures. Funding for Ariel also covers the cost of medications and social support for him and him family. Gift of Life International is contributing $7,000 to cover additional costs associated with Ariel's surgical care. "I am excited to get my heart fixed so that I can play baseball with the kids in my neighborhood!" says Ariel.