Santiago is a seven-year-old boy from Bolivia. Since Santiago’s mother passed away when he was a year old, his adult sister has been taking care of him. Unfortunately, due to his heart condition, he developed a brain abscess that required three surgeries to treat and to make him medically stable for his heart surgery. Santiago is in good spirits and has been looking forward to this day so he can complete his surgeries.
Santiago has a cardiac condition called total anomalous pulmonary vein return. The pulmonary veins are connected to an abnormal location in the heart, and as a result, oxygen-poor blood is circulated through the body rather than being sent to the lungs.
On May 13th, Santiago will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner’s care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will reattach the vessels to the heart at the normal location, so that blood can flow normally through the heart and body.
Santiago’s family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications.
Santiago’s sister says, “I am so grateful my little brother can have his surgery now. I pray and trust all will go well.”
