Manuela is a 16-year-old girl. She is in the tenth grade and would like to be a doctor or a scientist when she grows up. Manuela lives in the Dominican Republic with her mother, father, and three younger brothers.
Manuela has a cardiac condition called atrial septal defect. This means a hole exists between the two upper chambers of her heart. Blood leaks through the holes without first passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving her weak.
Although Manuela 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, Manuela will undergo a full cardiac assessment on February 15. 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 Manuela 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 Manuela’s surgical care.
Manuela says, “I am excited to have surgery so I can stop worrying about my heart problem from now on.”