Nitchie is a 12-year-old girl from Haiti. She is known for her friendliness and love of interacting with others. She particularly enjoys playing with her neighbors and helping her mother around the house.
Nitchie was born with a heart condition called patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Normally, there is a hole in the heart that closes soon after birth, but for individuals with PDA, the hole remains open. Blood leaks through this hole without passing through the lungs for oxygen. Because of this, Nitchie feels fatigued and short of breath. She needs to undergo surgery to repair this hole.
First, Nitchie will undergo a full cardiac assessment on January 20. This assessment will include physical exams, labs, and an overnight stay at the hospital. Our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to fund these procedures. Funding for Nitchie also covers the cost of medications and social support for her and her family. Gift of Life International is contributing $3,500 to cover additional costs associated with Nitchie’s surgical care.
Nitchie’s mother is ecstatic that her daughter is receiving help. She says, “It always makes me sad to see Nitchie get out of breath when she tries to play. We will be very happy once her heart is fixed.”