Anabel is a seven-year-old girl from the southern part of Bolivia. She lives with her younger sister and her mom who used to work as a kitchen helper, but is currently taking care of her full time.
When Anabel was born, doctors told her family she had a heart murmur due to a hole near her heart, but they were hopeful it might close on its own over time. However, the hole failed to close as she grew, so the doctors told her mom that Anabel needed heart surgery. Anabel has a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus. A hole exists between two major blood vessels near her heart. Blood leaks through this hole, leaving her weak and short of breath.
On May 7th, she will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner’s care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew the hole closed, so that blood can no longer leak through it.
Anabel’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.
Anabel’s mother shared: “I pray that my smart, funny, and sweet girl will have a successful surgery, so she can be healthy!”

