Kerry is a student from Haiti. He lives with his parents and two brothers in Gonaives, a city on the west coast of Haiti. His father is a bus driver, and his mother works in the market. He is in the fourth grade and enjoys math and science.
Kerry has a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus. A blood vessel between the pulmonary artery and the aorta that normally closes soon after birth instead remains open. Blood flows through it, bypassing the lungs and depriving the body of the oxygen it needs.
On October 6, he will undergo cardiac surgery at St. Damien Hospital, our medical partner’s care center. During surgery, surgeons will tie off the blood vessel so that blood can no longer enter it. Another organization, Gift of Life International, is contributing $5,000 to pay for surgery.
Kerry’s family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. The $1,500 requested by our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, covers cardiac exams and medications.
He says, “I am excited to have this surgery so that I can play soccer without getting tired!”