Wilkes is a student from Haiti. He lives with his parents in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince; he is studying business administration at a local university. Wilkes has a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus. A hole exists between two of the main blood vessels that connect to the heart; blood leaks through this hole, leaving him weak and short of breath.
Wilkes will fly to the United States to receive treatment. On September 20th, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which Doctors will use a device attached to the end of catheter to plug the hole so that blood can no longer leak through it.. Another organization, Baylor Scott and White Heart Hospital, is contributing $15000 to pay for surgery.
Wilkes’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 Wilkes’s family overseas.
Wilkes said, “I am looking forward to having a normal heart and a new chance for my life!”