Jhovana is 12 years old and a young student from Bolivia. She is in the ninth grade, and loves to play soccer with her friends. She lives in the southern part of Bolivia with her dad, who works in the fields; her mom, who takes care of a herd of llamas; and six siblings.
Last year, Jhovana had a nosebleed that wouldn’t stop, so her parents took her to the doctor, who detected a heart murmur and sent her to a cardiologist for diagnosis. Jhovana has a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus. A hole exists between two blood vessels next to the heart. This condition stops Jhovana’s blood from circulating properly, causing weakness and leaving her at risk of heart failure if the condition is not treated.
On November 11th, Jhovana will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner’s care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew the hole closed so that blood can no longer leak through it.
Jhovana’s family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications.
Jhovana’s father shared, “I just want my daughter to be healthy like her other brothers and sisters, so she can have a healthy life!”