Stessie is a toddler from Haiti. She lives with her parents and older brothers in Cap Haitien, a city in northern Haiti. She likes listening to music and going to church with her family. Stessie has Down syndrome.
Stessie also has a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus. A hole exists between two major blood vessels near the heart. Blood leaks through this hole without passing through her lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving her sickly and short of breath.
On April 8, she will undergo cardiac surgery at St. Damien Hospital, our medical partner’s care center. During surgery, surgeons will use stitches to close the hole so that blood can no longer leak through it. Another organization, Gift of Life International, is contributing $5,000 to pay for surgery.
Stessie’s family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. The $1,500 requested by our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, covers cardiac exams and medications.
Her mother says, “We are looking forward to this surgery so our daughter can play and be more active.”