Jeannette is a student from Haiti. She lives with her parents and sister in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince. She is pursuing a college degree in business studies, but has taken a year off because of her illness. Jeannette has a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. One of the four valves of her heart has become damaged because of an infection she suffered several years ago, and it cannot adequately circulate blood to her body.
Jeannette will fly to the United States to receive treatment. On November 8, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will first attempt to repair her damaged valve. If it cannot be repaired, it may need to be replaced with an artificial valve. Another organization, The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano, is contributing $45,000 to pay for surgery.
Jeannette’s family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, and checkup and followup appointments. It also supports passport obtainment and the social workers from our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Jeannette’s family overseas.
She says, “I am excited about this surgery so that I can go back to school and pursue a career!”