Sandy is 15 years old and lives in a small town in central Dominican Republic with his parents and one sister. He is in the eighth grade, and his favorite activity is riding his horse named “Blanquita.”
Sandy was born with a cardiac condition called atrial septal defect, in which a hole exists between the two upper chambers of his heart. Blood leaks through this hole without first passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving him sickly and weak. Although Sandy is not Haitian, our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, is collaborating with their partners in the Dominican Republic to offer treatment to Dominican children. He will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner’s care center.
First, Sandy will undergo a full cardiac assessment on February 13. 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 Sandy also covers the cost of medications and social support for him and him family. Gift of Life International is contributing $7,000 to cover additional costs associated with Sandy’s surgical care.
“I am excited to have this surgery so that I can help my family and play with my friends without getting tired,” says Sandy.