Seven-year-old Antonia lives in Haiti with her parents and younger brother. “Her parents both work in the marketplace to support the family,” shares our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance (HCA).
Antonia is in second grade and loves going to school, but she’s had to miss class frequently this year due to symptoms of her heart defect. HCA explains, “Antonia was born with a heart defect called partial atrioventricular canal defect, in which holes exist between the upper and lower chambers of the heart, allowing blood to pass freely through all four chambers. This leads to heart failure and deprives the body of oxygen, leaving her sickly and weak.”
Heart surgery can correct Antonia’s defect, allowing blood to flow normally through her heart. Gift of Life International has raised $5,000 to pay for part of her surgery. For $1,500, we can fund the rest of Antonia’s life-changing surgery, which includes preparation and overseas transportation costs.
“We are excited she can have this surgery so she can get back to her education,” her mother shares.