Meet James, a three-year-old boy from Haiti! “He is a friendly and intelligent boy, who is looking forward to starting preschool and learning to read,” our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, tells us. He lives in southern Haiti with his parents and one-year-old brother.
“James has a condition called patent ductus arteriosus, in which a hole between two parts of the heart that normally closes by itself after a baby is born, instead remains open,” HCA explains. “As a result, blood can flow through this hole without passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving the child sickly and breathless. Without treatment, the condition can be fatal.”
James has been selected to receive a $5000 surgery to correct his heart defect through Open Hearts Haiti. His family is counting on Watsi donors to raise another $1500 to fund his overseas travel and surgery prep.
“It was very hard for me to leave my other baby at home to come with James, but I’m so excited that he will get the help he needs!” James’ mom says.