March 26, 2014
Justavino is a 14-year-old boy from remote western Panama who loves reading and dreams to one day play soccer. When Justavino was a toddler, he experienced severe rheumatic fever, which damaged his heart and caused chronic heart failure. As a result, Justavino is unable to play with other children without experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath.
For the past six months, Justavino has been sick from tuberculosis. Although his infection is getting better, Justavino urgently needs heart surgery to ensure that his body can fully recover from so many bouts with illness.
For $1,500, Justavino will receive a heart valve transplant. This surgery will drastically improve his chance of survival. Doctors say it is “literally his only chance for life.” Let’s help Justavino get well and grow up to adulthood!
Justavino is a 14-year-old boy from remote western Panama who loves reading and dreams to one day play soccer. When Justavino was a toddler,...
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August 13, 2015
Justavino sadly passed away before receiving transplant surgery.
Our medical partner, Floating Doctors (FD), shares, “After six months of very aggressive care keeping Justavino’s heart going while we treated his tuberculosis, arranging lots of blood to be donated the day before surgery, and getting the surgery scheduled and prepped, Justavino got pneumonia in his community one week before his surgical due date.”
We are heartbroken to report that Justavino passed away from heart failure secondary to his pneumonia. FD continues, “This was a very, very sad loss, especially after surviving so much, and so close to the final curative treatment.”
We remain grateful that Justavino was afforded access to the healthcare he needed, and unwavering in our commitment to transparently report all outcomes to you - even the ones we wish were different. Thank you so much for supporting Justavino.
Our medical partner, Floating Doctors (FD), shares, "After six months of very aggressive care keeping Justavino's heart going while we treat...
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