Simon is a six-year-old boy from Bolivia. He lives with his aunt and his five older siblings, as his mom sadly passed away giving birth to him.
When Simon was small, doctors noted a heart murmur and explained that it may resolve itself over time. Unfortunately, it didn’t, and doctors determined that it can only be treated with an open heart surgery. Simon has a cardiac condition called a ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of his heart; blood leaks through this hole without passing through his lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath.
On April 16th, Simon will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner’s care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, doctors will sew a patch over the hole so that blood can no longer leak through it. Simon’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.
Simon’s aunt shared, “I am very hopeful that my nephew’s health will be much better after this surgery!”

