Yumilka is an 11-year-old girl from the Dominican Republic. She lives with her mother and brother in a small town. She is in sixth grade and is a very good student. She hopes to become a doctor when she grows up.
She was born with patent ductus arteriosus, a cardiac condition in which a hole in the heart that normally closes shortly after birth remains open. Blood leaks through this hole without passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen, which leaves Yumilka feeling sickly and weak.
Although Yumilka is not Haitian, our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, is collaborating with their partners in the Dominican Republic to offer treatment to Dominican children. She will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner’s care center.
First, Yumilka will undergo a full cardiac assessment on February 16. 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 Yumilka also covers the cost of medications and social support for her and her family. Gift of Life International is contributing $7,000 to cover additional costs associated with Yumilka’s surgical care.
“I am hoping that after my surgery I can get a bicycle and learn to ride it,” says Yumilka.