Jessika is a student from Haiti. She lives in Port-au-Prince with her mother, father, and younger sister. She has been studying diplomacy in a local university but has had to take time off because of her illness.
Jessika has a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. One of the four valves in her heart has been severely damaged from rheumatic fever, and can no longer adequately pump blood through her body.
Jessika will fly to the United States to receive treatment. On December 7, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will either repair her mitral valve, or replace it with an artificial valve.. Another organization, The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano, is contributing $65,000 to pay for surgery.
Jessika’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 Jessika’s family overseas.
She says, “I am very nervous but am looking forward to surgery so I can continue my studies.”
