12-month-old Sanaa was born with a life-threatening heart defect called ventricular septal defect. This condition means she has a hole between the two lower chambers of her heart. “Blood leaks through this hole without first passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving her sickly and weak,” says our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance (HCA).
Sanaa lives in Haiti with her parents and newborn brother. “Her father works at a small store, and her mother cares for the children. Because of her illness, Sanaa is usually very tired and uninterested in playing, and frequently gets colds and fevers,” HCA explains.
Hundreds of children are born with heart defects every year in Haiti and unfortunately, many don’t have access to the life-saving surgery they need. Gift of Life International has raised $5,000 towards Sana’s surgery at a local hospital. We can fund the rest of the procedure, including overseas transportation and surgery preparation, for $1,500.
“Following surgery, normal blood flow should be restored to Sanaa’s heart and she should not have any further cardiac symptoms,” HCA says.
Sana’s mother shares, “I am very hopeful that after surgery Sanaa will be healthy and strong.”