Meet Jean Willio, a 17-month-old boy who lives in Haiti with his parents and seven older siblings. Jean Willio’s two favorite pastimes are playing with his older siblings and enjoying music. His parents are both farmers.
Our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance (HCA) shares, “Jean Willio was born with a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus, in which a hole in the heart which normally closes shortly after birth, remains open.” As a result of his heart condition, “blood leaks through this hole without passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen.” Without treatment, Jean Willio will remain sickly and weak.
Jean Willio’s family cannot afford the $1,500 surgery he needs to restore blood flow to his heart. Fortunately, we can help. After the surgery, “he should not have any further cardiac symptoms,” says HCA.
“We have made many trips to the hospital with our son,” Jean Willio’s father shares. “We are very happy his heart can be fixed so we don’t have to do that anymore.”