Meet Johnny, a 30-year-old man from Haiti. Our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance (HCA), tells us, “Johnny lives in Port-au-Prince with his older sister. Their mother passed away when they were young, and they grew up in an orphanage.”
Johnny is studying to be an engineer. In his spare time, he loves going to church—he attends almost every day.
HCA explains, “When Johnny was about 12 years old, he contracted a rheumatic fever which severely damaged the mitral and aortic valves of his heart.” This condition makes Johnny constantly sick and unable to hold a job or further pursue his studies. Johnny has been living with heart disease for most of his life, but he recently found out that without a valve replacement he has months to live.
In order to receive the surgery he needs, Johnny must go overseas. $1,500 will cover the cost of Johnny’s transport to, and stay, abroad to receive care. He will receive surgery to remove the damaged valves and replace them with artificial metal valves.
Following surgery, HCA reports, “Johnny will have to take blood tests and medication for the rest of his life, but he should be able to lead a normal and healthy life.”
Johnny shares, “I hope that God will bless everyone who has given me this chance, everyone has treated me like their own family and I am very grateful.”