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Completed Project: Dania

Dania suffered from an atrial septal defect, a congenital heart disease in which there is an abnormal opening in the dividing wall between the upper chambers of the heart, commonly referred to as a “hole in the heart”. As a result, Dania often found herself short of breath while completing the difficult everyday tasks that her lifestyle demands including walking several miles with barrels to collect clean water. Dania’s large family lives in a one room adobe house with a dirt floor where they must borrow electricity from a neighbour. Although her father is a farmer, the family only harvests enough corn and beans for their own consumption and never enough to sell. With a household income of $5.00 a day, the family could not afford the surgery that Dania needed to lead a normal life without suffering from her heart condition. Heart 4 Heart has successfully raised enough money to provide Dania with her heart surgery.

Completed Project: Melissa

Melissa is a 3 year old girl who lives in Usulutan, El Salvador  was diagnosed with a heart defect as an infant and recently underwent a cath procedure. Melissa and her siblings recently moved into her grandmother’s very small home which she borrows from the government so that they are close enough to a school that they can attend. Their mother’s house was just too far away. The house is made of adobe with a dirt floor.  They do have access to electricity, but only have access to clean water twice a month. The rooms of the house are separated by cardboard walls. The area they live in is miles away from everything they need so they have to take a truck to get into town twice a week. the nearest town is 1.5 hours away by truck and 4 hours away if they walk. The men of the family are all farmers and they harvest beans off their small crop of land for the family’s consumption and to sell. Heart 4 Heart raised approximately $1000 for Melissa so that she could afford her heart surgery.

Completed Project: Flor

Flor is a 6 year old girl who currently lives in Zacamil, El Salvador. She was diagnosed with a heart condition three years ago. She has been on the waiting list for a catheterization procedure ever since. Flor’s mother is a nurse and her father is a doctor, yet they were not able to get the help Flor needed. The cost of the cath device was too high and with there being only one interventional cardiologist in the country to do this procedure, they had no choice but to wait. Flor has received her second chance at life and now feels so much better with energy to play and go to school. This family is grateful that their child’s life has been saved before it was too late.

Completed Project: Alison

Alison is a 5 year old girl who lives in Tonacatepeque, El Salvador.  Alison’s heart defect was discovered two years ago when her parents brought her to the hospital for fever and vomiting. She had been waiting for her life-saving cath procedure ever since. Alison lives with her parents in a concrete home. They do have electricity but must walk to collect clean water in barrels.  Alison’s father sells bread on the street to support the family. But thanks to your generous donations, she is now enjoying school and is happy that she has so much energy to play with her friends.

Completed Project: Camila

Camila is a 5 year old girl who lives in Usulutan, El Salvador with her mother and grandparents. Her mother and grandparents sell tamales and plantains to help support the family. Camila's grandfather is a day laborer and therefore does not always have a steady income. Her father lives in the U.S. and sends money back to the family monthly. Camila has experienced symptoms of CHD since she was 6 months old. She turns blue quite frequently; especially when running. Camila attends speech therapy and educational therapy regularly. She will begin school as soon as the new school year opens.

Completed Project: Jason

Jason is a 4 year old boy who lives with his parents and grandparents in a concrete home in San Salvador. Shortly after birth, he was diagnosed with a heart condition known as Patent Ductus Arteriosis (PDA), which hinders growth and development. Over time, Jason will develop more and more symtoms of heart disease and become less and less able to do what a child his age normally does. Altough Jason's parents both work, they cannot raise enough money to pay for the expensive catheterization procedure to save their son's life. Jason has been on the waiting list for many years and is now in need of his cath procedure as soon as possible so he can enjoy his childhood and live a healthy life. 

Completed Project: Jose

Jose Javier is a very active child but recently he has had much less energy and has not been able to maintain a healthy weight. This was all due to his heart condition which he has been living with since birth. Jose’s family recently moved to the capital city of San Salvador where they live in a rented, concrete home. Previously, they shared a home with a relative. Jose’s father works as a gardener to support his family. His mother stays home to take care of the children. Jose loves kindergarten and is very happy that he now has more energy to attend school and play with his friends.

  Completed Project: Yaritza

Yaritza was diagnosed with a heart condition at just 4 months of age. She lives with her mother and grandparents in a one room adobe structure which contains only hammocks to sleep on and a small, plastic table with 2 chairs. This family cooks over an open fire. They have no electricity nor clean water nearby. Yaritza's mother washes and irons clothes to help earn a little extra income. This family survives primarily on rice, beans, eggs, and vegetables they find in the area where they live. They are very happy that Yaritza's heart defect has been corrected. The cost of transportation back and forth to doctor's appointments and the hospital was something they could not afford.

  Completed Project: Umar

Umar is the last born in a family of three. His mum Nuru is a housewife while his father Muwanika works as a butcher. Umar lives with both his parents and goes to school in Mbiko District Eastern Uganda. They live in a two roomed house with no electricity or tap water Umar’s illness troubles started at 4 months when he was diagnosed with Tuberculosis. After the long TB treatment, mum was advised to have Umar further checked. He was then found to have a problem with his heart but due to lack of funds and long distance to Uganda Heart Institute, the family was unable to bring him for this much needed review. They were finally able to come this February 2014 and were lucky to be informed there was available funding for him.

 

 

  Completed Project: Habiba Katusime

Habiba is the 7th child of 8 children. Her father runs a motorbike transport business and her mum works as a teacher. Habiba has been a small, healthy child, but she recently developed a serious cough. She was later referred to the Uganda Heart Institute for further review. According to the doctors, Habiba's heart defect was due to an infection from the lungs. She had been waiting for a catheterization procedure to correct the defect eversince. 
 

 

"I would never have been able to afford this surgery and save my daughter. I do not have any words to express my deep appreciation.." - Habiba's mother. 

 

 Completed Project: Izet

Precious Izet was born into a large, impoverished family in Kosova with a very complex heart condition. Although he received his first successful heart surgery in Bergamo, Italy, last year, he was in need of additional multiple surgeries. Although they have a large family, only the grandfather supports the family with a small income from his farm. Izet's father is unemployed and is desperately searching to find work to help support his family. Izet's family lives in a small house that was built after the war. Their previous house was burned down. With the help of multiple sponsors, including H4H, we were able to raise $30 000 for Izet's surgery. We wish you a quick recovery Izet!! 

 

Laibah had a normal birth, but at 3 months old, she started having a persistent cough which was later found to be due to her heart problem. Laibah and her parents were then referred to Uganda Heart Institute for further review. Meanwhile, her dad checked through the internet and contacted someone who was then able to get in touch with Gift of Life International. Laibah is the last born of four children and she lives in Kampala, Uganda with her dad, a computer technician, and her mother, a teacher.

 

“I am thankful for this opportunity for sponsorship, it will save my daughter.” 

– Laibah’s father

 Completed Project: Laibah

Andy lives with his parents and brother in a one room house made of adobe and bamboo. His father is a fisherman and works hard to support his family. Unfortunately, there are times when the weather is bad or the fish are not plentiful making his income unstable. Andy's mother stays home to care for the children and take the to school. Andy enjoys Kindergarten, coloring and playing video games. Andy was diagnosed with a heart condition two years ago when he was hospitalized for an inflamed liver. Andy's energy level is low as a result of his heart condition. He is looking forward to the day when he will have lots of energy to play with his friends.

Completed Project: Andy
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Emmanuel has had a life of illnesses and constant struggles. His heart condition was diagnosed shortly after he was born and yet he continues to wait for his second change at life. Emmanuel's father works as a security officer but struggles to support the basic needs of his family. Often, food is rationed between family members. Sadly, Emmanuel does not always have the medications he needs simply because the family cannot afford to buy them. Each day, this family prays for a miracle... the miracle of a second chance at life for Emmanuel.

  Completed Project: Emmanuel Omoding

Completed Project: Charles

Charles is an orphan who has struggled with constant illnesses most of his life as a result of his heart condition. He has always struggled to gain weight. Charles tires very easily and is unable to keep up with other children his own age due to his lack of energy. He prayed that he would receive his second change at life so that he would feel better and be able to play with friends like a normal teenager. Charles has already had one heart surgery but was in need of a valve replacement. Following his surgery, he has been benefitting from our nutritional assistance program to help ensure a full recovery and a healthy future. 

Sara was diagnosed with a heart condition when she was just 3 days old after being admitted to the hospital for a bronchia infection. She lives with her parents in an adobe home with dirt floors. They cook over an open fire and walk to a well to collect clear water. Sara's father works as a bill collector but he only gets paid on the days there is work for him. He also has a small piece of land that is owned by Sara's grandfather where he grows corn for the family's consumption. Sara's mother stays home to care for her. As a result of her heart condition, Sara is ill frequently and tires very quickly when playing. Her family is praying that she will be able to have her catho procedure soon to correct the defect in her heart and have a second chance at life.

Completed Project: Sara

Completed Project: Ángel

Ángel was diagnosed with a heart condition known as Patent Ductus Arteriosus when he was just a few months old. He needed to undergo a catheterization procedure as soon as possible to give him a second chance at life and hope for a healthy future. Ángel’s family struggles to provide the family with basic necessities. Ángel’s father works as an assistant mason and his mother takes care of the household chores and the children. Currently, they do not have a home so they rent a room in an inn in the town of Ilobasco, Cabañas. This family is very grateful that Ángel has been given a second chance at life. This is one less burden they need to bare each day.

Kevin was diagnosed with a heart condition at age 2 when he was admitted to the hospital due to exhaustion and poor weight gain. His mother works as a saleswoman and his father works as a driver. The area where they live is very dangerous. They used to own their own adobe home but had to leave because gangs in the area were demanding payment of $500 to allow them to stay. They have now moved to a home that is made of grass and adobe, which is owned by Kevin's grandfather. Many reltaives live on the same property but each house is responsible for their own living expenses. Kevin and his family already see a big difference in his energy level and are excited to finally see him healthy!

  Completed Project: Kevin

Completed Project: Blanca

When Blanca was just a few months old, her parents were told that she had Downs Syndrome as well as a hole in her heart which would need to be repaired through open-heart surgery. Blanca tires very easily and has trouble gaining weight. Her father is a Pastor of an Evangelical church. He is not paid a wage but the church does provide the family a small amount of money for their basic necessities. The home they live in is owned by the church but since they move from church to church, they also must move from home to home. Blanca does not go to therapy because the family cannot afford it. They feel blessed that Blanca has received her lifesaving heart surgery and can finally begin to gain weight and thrive.

Completed Project: Harol

Harol was diagnosed with a heart defect at 7 months of age. He has been hospitalized several times in his short life since he is frequently ill as a result of his heart condition. Little Harol is not able to walk or talk. His mother takes him to therapy once a week hoping that it will help her son. Harol lives with his mother, grandmother and cousin in a one-room structure made of sheet metal. They cook over an open fire and sleep on hammocks. Harol’s mother gets up very early each day to go sell bread in the street but her income is not steady and not enough to support Harol’s needs. Harol’s cousin is employed and works hard to provide the basic needs for this family. Once Harol’s heart is healed, they will have one less burden to bear.

Completed Project: Fatima

Fatima lives with her large family in a one-room structure made of various materials such as sheet metal, adobe, and bamboo. The living and sleeping areas are separated by pieces of cardboard. They cook over an open fire and must walk several miles to collect clean water in barrels. Fatima’s father has a gardening business and her eldest brother works with him. Together they work to support the basic needs of this large family. Fatima has many health issues which only add to the already precarious economic status of this family. She was diagnosed with a heart defect shortly after birth. She also needs therapy since she is not able to walk or talk. Often her mother does not take her to therapy because they do not have the means to pay for it.

Completed Project: Jose

Jose lives with his parents and grandmother in a borrowed homemade of bamboo and grass with a dirt floor. They sleep on beds made of wood and rope. They cook over an open fire. Jose’s father is a farmer. He grows corn and beans for the family’s consumption but that is their only source of food. This family struggles to survive and often does not have even the most basic of necessities. Jose was diagnosed with a heart condition recently when his parents took him for a check-up because he was always very tired and not able to eat. Jose’s parents pray that their son will receive his lifesaving catheterization procedure very soon. This family would also greatly benefit from our nutritional assistance program.

Completed Project: Rodolfo

Rodolfo lives with his mother and sisters in a rented, one-room structure made of sheet metal, cardboard and plastic. They live in a remote area of El Salvador which is about 4 hours from the capital city. Rodolfo’s mother sells coffee to earn a small wage but cannot support her family. An aunt who lives in the U.S. sends the family $100 ecah month to help them survive. Rodolfo attends school and is an average student but he must walk many miles each day to get to and from school. This is very difficult for him due to his heart condition and therefore he is exhausted by the time he makes the journey to school each day. Rodolfo will be very happy when his heart is healed and he has more energy.

Karen lives with her mother, grandmother, aunt and younger brother in a one-room adobe structure with a dirt floor. They borrow electricity from a neighbor and cook over an open fire. They must walk several miles to collect clean water in barrels. Karen’s father left for America when she was just 3 months old and he has never been heard from since. Karen has always suffered from severe headaches. Three years ago, she was diagnosed with a heart condition that must be corrected with an interventional catheterization procedure that her mother cannot afford. Karen’s mother works as a maid to try to earn enough income to support their basic needs but often they fall short and must ration food. Karen has a dream of becoming a doctor when she grows up.

Completed Project: Karen

Completed Project: Gabriela

Gabriela lives with her parents in one room which is insider her grandparents' home. The home is made of cinder block. The area they live in is quite dangerous. Gabriela's father drives a transport truck a few times a week to support their basic needs but his job is not steady. Gabriela needs a catheterization procedure to correct her heart defect.

Completed Project: Aisha

This is an incredible story of love. Aisha’s mother passed away during her birth and her father abandoned her at a caretaker’s home when she was just 3 months old. Aisha’s foster parents are not wealthy, however they love her very much and do their best to provide for her. Aisha’s foster mom is jobless and her foster dad has a shop selling cloth. Aisha lives with her foster parents in Lubowa, Kampala. Aisha’s heart has now been healed thanks to your sponsorship. She is much happier and has a lot more energy to play. Aisha’s foster mom sends this message of gratitude, “This is now my child. She will start school next year now that she has recovered. Thank you so much for all the help you have given me.”

Current Project: Imran

Imran is an only child. He lives with his mother and father in Kirinya, Wakiso, Uganda, which is about 2 hours from the capital city of Kampala by car. Since they do not have a car, it is a full day trip for each appointment Imran needs at the Uganda Heart Institute in Kampala. Imran’s father works in a retail shop and his mother stays home to care for him. Imran was born with a heart defect as well as with Down Syndrome. Imran’s parents are overjoyed that their son’s heart has been healed. They send this message of gratitude, “It is a miracle that our baby Imran will be well now. Thank you so much for your love”.

Joshua’s heart defect was discovered through a clinic in the Gulu district of Uganda where children are being screened for Rheumatic Heart Disease. Gulu is six hours from Kampala by car. Therefore, it is more than a one-day trip for his parents to take Joshua to the Uganda Heart Institute via public transportation. Joshua lives with his parents and two older siblings in a cluster of three grass huts in a small village. They do not have electricity and must walk several miles to collect clean water from a well. Both parents are farmers and work very hard to provide the bare essentials for the family. Having Joshua’s heart healed is one less burden they no need to bear. They are so grateful that their son can grow up, play, and live a healthy life.

Completed Project: Joshua
Completed Project: Imakando

Imakando does not know what it is like to feel healthy. He was born with a heart defect and finally after 12 years of being ill and searching for help, he will finally have his chance at a healthy future. Imakando has been ill frequently over the past 12 years. His parents have worried for all these years that he would pass away before they were able to find a way to have his heart healed. He is behind in school due to missing so many days when he was too ill to attend. Imakando looks forward to the day when he is strong enough to play soccer with his friends and to help his father on the farm.

Completed Project: Shamrock

Shamrock’s family lives in a grass hut in a small village outside Lusaka, Zambia. They have no access to electricity and must walk several miles to collect water in barrels from a community well. Shamrock’s father works on a farm to support his family’s basic needs. His mother stays home to care for the children and keep them safe. Often this family struggles to maintain even the most basic of needs. Having to bring Shamrock to the hospital frequently for check-ups and due to illnesses puts an additional strain on the family. Shamrock’s family is so thankful for the opportunity to take him to India for treatment which will alleviate one of the stresses which weighs heavy on them each day. They are eternally grateful for your love and support to help their son.

Completed Project: Susan

Susan was born with a hole in her heart into a country that cannot provide the treatment necessary to save her life. Susan’s parents have been searching for help for their daughter since she was diagnosed shortly after birth. Susan has difficulty keeping up with siblings and friends and often must sit down instead of playing. She is always tired and does not have much energy. She is looking forward to having her heart healed so that she feels better and can play like a normal 5-year-old. Susan will travel to Delhi, India for treatment with one of her parents. They are so grateful for your support and are looking forward to the day when Susan will be healthy.

Completed Project: Ana Maria

Ana Maria lives with her parents and sister in their home which is made of cinder blocks. Ana Maria’s father sells water at the local market. Her mother sells fruits on the street. Ana Maria struggles to keep up with friends her own age. She has been waiting for her second chance at life since birth. She needs a catheterization procedure to correct her heart defect.

Angella lives with her parents and 2 siblings in a very remote area of Uganda. They live in a one room mud house with a dirt floor. They have no access to electricity nor clean water nearby. They must walk several miles to collect water in barrels for drinking. Both parents are farmers. Angela’s mother has a hearing impairment. These parents struggle to provide basic necessities and food for their family. Angella not only struggles with a heart condition but also malnutrition due to her family’s living conditions. Having Angella’s heart healed would be an incredible blessing for this family.

Completed Project: Angella

Alexander is an only child. His mother is a tailor but she is unable to work because she spends all her time caring for her ill son. His father is a carpenter but his work is very unreliable and therefore this family struggles to have even the most basic of necessities. Alexander lives with his parents in a tiny mud house. They do not have access to electricity nor clean water nearby. The cost of transportation to and from the hospital for check-ups and repeated illnesses is an additional hardship for this family. They will be forever grateful when Alexander’s heart is healed.

Completed Project: Alexander

Efren lives with his parents and 3 siblings in a home made of mud, bamboo and sheet metal. They sleep on hammocks and cook over an open fire. Efren is not able to speak nor walk and attends therapy. His father works in a funeral home but the hours are not steady. This family would also benefit from the nutritional assistance program by Gift of Life International (for more information, visit http://www.giftoflifeinternational.org/). Efren needs a catheterization procedure to correct his heart defect

Completed Project: Efren
Completed Project: Happy

Happy lives with her parents and one sibling in a small grass hut with a dirt floor in a small village. Her father tends cattle for a farmer in the area where they live. As part of his very small salary, he is able to take milk for his family from the cows. Other sources of nutrition are often rationed between family members due to lack of income. The cost of transportation to and from the hospital for Happy’s frequent medical appointments placed an additional hardship on this family who already struggles to provide just the bare minimum necessities. They are so grateful to have Happy’s heart healed. This has not only reduced their financial burden but also their daily emotional burden.

Completed Project: Tiana

It is amazing to see the beautiful smile on Tiana’s face when you hear her tragic story. This 11 year old girl not only has a life-threatening heart condition, but she is also an orphan. Both her parents have passed away, leaving her with no one to fight for her to receive the lifesaving cardiac treatment she needs. Despite the many struggles she endures every day at such a young age, Tiana remains a happy child. Giving her the gift of life will not only benefit this beautiful child, but everyone around her.  With your help, Tiana will grow up to be a very special individual with a permanent smile that will light up the world of others as she shares her story of triumph. Tiana is looking forward to the day when her heart is healed and she will have more energy to laugh and play like other children her age

Completed Project: Christopher

Christopher lives with his parents in a small grass hut in a village located outside of Kampala. They borrow their home from Christopher’s grandmother. Their home has a dirt floor. They cook over an open fire and walk to a well which is a few miles away to collect clean water in barrels. Christopher’s mother is being trained to work in a local salon and his father takes whatever odd jobs he can find in an effort to provide the basic needs for his family. He is actively searching for more steady employment. In addition to having heart disease, Christopher cannot hear. His parents are praying that once his heart is healed, they will find a way to also have a surgery completed that may restore his hearing.

Completed Project: Alisson

Alisson is an only child. She lives with her parents and grandmother in one of the most dangerous areas of San Salvador. They must always be very careful when leaving their home. Alisson is being raised by her grandmother because her mother acquired a bacterial infection during childbirth which caused tuberculosis and has made it impossible for her to care for her own child. Alisson’s father works as a gardener to support the family but his work is not steady. At 9 months of age, Alisson was diagnosed with a heart condition. She is often short of breath when she plays and turns purple when she cries. This family is praying for miracles; especially for their precious child so that her heart may be healed and she can grow up to be healthy.

Completed Project: Gilberto

Gilberto lives with his mother and grandmother in a tiny rented structure made of sheet metal and adobe. Gilberto enjoys school and is a good student, however the walk to and from school is very tiring for him. Some days he is not able to attend because he is too tired or too short of breath. Gilberto loves to play basketball but he must often sit down to rest when he would rather be playing. Both Gilberto’s mother and grandmother make pupusas and sell them on the street to support the family. Gilberto was diagnosed with a heart condition immediately after he was born. The hospital in the area where they live could not offer any help for him. Two years ago, his mother took him to Hospital Bloom in San Salvador where he was placed on the waiting list for an interventional catheterization procedure to heal his heart.

Alexis was diagnosed with a heart condition at 2 months of age. She has been admitted to the hospital many times for various illnesses, many of which are related to her heart condition. She tires very easily and often turns blue when she cries. Alexis lives with her parents and older brother in a small one-room home in a very dangerous area. Her father is a driver and works whenever he is able to. Her mother stays home with the children. She has not been able to work since Alexis was born due to her illness and frequent hospital stays. Alexis needs an interventional catheterization procedure to heal her little heart so that she can feel better and grow.

Completed Project: Alexis
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Completed Project: Ludmisha

Ludmisha has a hole in her heart and struggles each day from symptoms of heart failure. She has a very poor appetite and is very underweight for her age. She cannot keep up with siblings and other children her age. She is always tired and short of breath. Ludmisha lives with her parents and two siblings. Her mother cannot work because Ludmisha requires constant care due to her illness. An additional stress was placed on this family when the area they live in was completely devastated by Hurricane Matthew. Ludmisha needs her heart healed as soon as possible. Having a healthy daughter would relieve some of the stress her parents live with each day.

Current Project: Medjie

Medjie lives with her mother, brother and grandparents in a one room structure. Her mother has not been able to work because Medjie is often sick and she feels she must be with her to provide care. Medjie’s grandparents help to care for the children and also help to provide their basic needs. The frequent trips to the hospital put an additional strain on this family who already struggles. Having Medjie’s heart healed will be a blessing in many ways for this family.

Completed Project: Wedeline

Wedeline is the 8th child in a family of 9 children. Unfortunately, neither of her parents are employed at this time. Wedeline’s heart condition has caused additional financial stress on this family due to frequent trips to the hospital which is 2 hours away. She is frequently ill with upper respiratory infections, shortness of breath and palpitations. She also has a poor appetite and has difficulty maintaining a healthy weight. This family will be very happy when Wedeline’s heart is healed and they no longer need to worry about her health.

Completed Project: Youseline

Youseline lives with her parents and two siblings in an area several hours from the capital city. She has been hospitalized many times due to shortness of breath, palpitations and frequent upper respiratory infections. This causes a great strain on the family since the distance is so great and the cost is difficult for them to manage. Youseline is in the 4th grade and is a good student. Her father is employed but has difficulty providing the basic needs for his family. Youseline’s mother stays home to care for the children and is pregnant with her 4th child. This family will be very relieved and grateful to have Youseline’s heart healed.

Completed Project: Emelie

Emelie lives with her parents in a small cinder block home. The area where they live is very dangerous. Emelie’s father works as an assistant at the Social Security Office. Her mother stays home to care for the children and to keep everyone safe. Emelie was diagnosed with a heart condition at 3 months of age following chronic illnesses and multiple hospitalizations. Even though her father is fortunate enough to have a steady income, it is impossible for this family to fund the lifesaving catheterization procedure needed to save Emelie’s life. Emelie loves to play with dolls. This activity does not require a great deal of energy which she often does not have. She tires very easily due to her heart condition. The family is praying that her heart will soon be healed.

Completed Project: Andy

Andy lives with his parents and older sister in a small cinder block home. Andy was diagnosed with a heart condition at just 2 months of age. He has been waiting for his second chance at life ever since. Andy’s father is a mechanic, however his income is not steady. His mother works in a beauty salon to help support the family. Andy’s grandmother cares for the children while his parents are working. When Andy’s father is out of work, it is difficult for him to provide even the necessities for his family. Having Andy’s heart healed will place on a less burden on this family.

Completed Project: Jamima

Jamima was born with a hole in her heart. She has been ill constantly since birth because of her heart condition. She has frequent upper respiratory infections and palpitations and often experiences shortness of breath. She tires easily and therefore does not have the energy to play like a normal 3-year-old. Jamima lives with her aunt who cares for her while her parents work to help provide some basic necessities for the family. Jemima’s father is a fisherman and her mother sells the fish they catch. They are often away for long periods of time. The frequent illnesses, need for medications and transportation costs to and from the hospital all put additional stress on this family who already struggles. They will be forever grateful for the opportunity to have their daughter’s heart healed.

Completed Project: Lea

Lea is a very smart and friendly 3-year-old. Her defect was diagnosed 90 days after she was born. Because of her heart condition, her development has slowed down and often causes her to have bronchitis. Going through these health issues has caused her to be a very nervous child. Her family of 6 members lives on a household income of only $4 per day. With 4 children and the stresses of Lea’s health issues, life has been difficult and leaves them struggling. The opportunity to have Lea’s heart healed would make them eternally thankful.

Completed Project: Anisa

Anisa was born with a heart defect and received her first operation at 7 years old. Her annual check ups show that her health has not been improving. This defect has slowed down her development while causing her to constantly be excited or anxious. She does not have a healthy appetite and has already had 2 teeth extracted this year. Despite her defect, she is in 8th grade and has been successful throughout her education. She loves spending time with friends, drawing, and reading. Anisa’s father died at 41 years of age, leaving her mother widowed to take care of her and her two sisters. They live in an unfinished house with only two rooms. After years of struggling to take care of Anisa’s health, they will be grateful for the opportunity to have Anisa’s heart finally healed.

Completed Project: Albanit

Albanit's heart defect was detected immediately after he was born. Three days after his birth, he was sent to Turkey where he received his first operation. Twenty-one days later, he had to receive a second operation. Because of his defect, his development has slowed down, and his skin and lips turn blue when he cries. Albanit lives with his father, mother, and two siblings in an old house. His father has been unable to find work as a mechanic and his mother stays home to take care of the family. With life already being difficult for the family, the additional hardship from Albanit’s health issues has put even more stress on them. The opportunity to have their son’s heart healed would make them forever grateful.

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Completed Project: Era

Sweet Era was born with a heart defect in a country which cannot provide her care. Era's parents have been praying for help since she was diagnosed one year ago when a medical screening team traveled to Prishtina, Kosova. Era has been ill frequently during her toddler years and now her parents understand why. She is a playful child but will often just start to cry because she is exhausted. Era's father works as a mason to support his family and her mother stays home to care for Era and her siblings. With your help, Era will have a chance to have her heart healed in Italy since this care is not currently available in Kosova. Era's family looks forward to the day when she is healthy and they no longer have to worry about her failing health.

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Completed Project: Hazma

Hazma lives in a small town many hours from the capital city of Cairo. This area is one of the poorest in Egypt and has no pediatric cardiac care nearby. Hazma was born with 4 defects in his heart - all of which must be corrected at once. Hazma has difficulty gaining weight and often turns blue from lack of oxygen when he cries. He has little energy and therefore is not active like a normal toddler. When Hazma is ill or needs a check-up, his parents must travel for an entire day to reach the hospital in Cairo. Having Hazma's heart healed would relieve a great deal of stress on this family both emotionally and financially.

Merline lives with her family in a small village in a remote area of Haiti. Merline has been living with a heart condition and the many illnesses associated with it since birth. With no pediatric care available in Haiti, the only option for treatment is to travel abroad; which her parents cannot afford, nor be lucky enough to be selected from treatment during one of the few medical missions each year. Merline is a sweet girl who likes to laugh and play. However, often when she plays with her siblings and friends, she must stop and take a break because she is tired and out of breath. Having her heart healed would allow her a happy and healthy future.

Completed Project: Merline
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Completed Project: Veronica
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Veronica lives with her parents in a small town outside the capital city of Bucharest. She has been living with a heart condition for 14 years and has struggled with many illnesses as a result. With each passing year, Veronica has less energy and has more difficulty gaining weight. As a teenager, she cannot do the types of activites her friends participate in because she is always tired and not feeling well. Veronica needs a catheterization procedure to repair her heart defect. This relatively simple procedure requires a device which is very expensive and which her parents cannot afford. Veronica looks forward to a day when she does not feel tired and ill and can take on activities like a normal teenager.

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Completed Project: Jeremiah

Jeremiah is the youngest of six children. His large family lives in a three room adobe home with no electricity. Both parents are farmers and work to support their large family with the basic necessities. Jeremiah looked healthy at birth but at six months of age he was always ill, always crying, uninterested in eating and was losing weight. His parents took him to a local hospital who said they could not help him and referred him elsewhere. That hospital also said they could not help and referred them to the Uganda Heart Institute. When they finally found a doctor who could help, Jeremiah was immediately medicated and is being closely monitored while waiting for surgery to close the hole in his little heart.

Faith is the youngest of four children. She lives with her siblings and parents in a one room rented hut. Her home is very far away from the capital city of Kampala where the hospital is located. Both of Faith’s parents are teachers in primary schools. Faith’s older sibling cares for the children while their parents are at school. When Faith was just two weeks old, a pediatrician in the area told her parents that she had a heart condition which required treatment and referred them to the Uganda Heart Institute. Faith and her family are grateful for your efforts to heal heal her little heart.

Completed Project: Faith
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Completed Project: Arleth

Arleth lives with her mother, grandmother, older brother and uncle in an area far from the capital city of San Salvador. Although she is a happy child, she is always tired and has been hospitalized several times in her short life due to her heart condition and related illnesses. Her mother was just recently informed that her daughter has a heart condition that requires surgery as soon as possible. Previously, her condition was undiagnosed despite numerous visits to clinics and local hospitals. Arleth’s grandmother is a teacher at the University and is the sole supporter of the family. Arleth’s mother stays home to care for her as she is frequently ill. This family prays each day for a miracle to save the life of sweet Arleth

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Completed Project: Aliyah

Three-year-old Aliyah lives with her family on a small island in the southern part of The Philippines.  There is no access to cardiac care on her island or any of the nearby surrounding islands.  Aliyah will need to travel by boat to Cebu City and then by airplane to Manila to have her heart healed.  Aliyah has always had difficulty gaining weight and growing due to her heart defects she was born with.  She also enjoys activities that do not require her to run since she tires easily.  Aliyah’s family is grateful for your assistance with the expenses to heal their daughter’s heart. They look forward to the day when they no longer need to worry and are able to see their daughter happy and able to play with her siblings and friends.

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Completed Project: Gia

Sweet little Gia was born with a heart condition known as Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). This heart defect happens when a blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus does not close as it should after birth. This causes problems with blood flow between the heart and lungs and can often be corrected through interventional catheterization. This heart defect can cause babies to breathe faster and harder than normal as their bodies try to keep up with the extra blood in their lung arteries. There is no pediatric cardiac care available on the island or even in the region where Gia lives with her family. They will need to travel to Manila for treatment. This will be the first time they have ever been off their island. Gia’s family is incredibly grateful for your support to help heal their precious daughter’s little heart.

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Completed Project: Carl

Carl lives on a small island in the southern region of The Philippines with his family. There is no pediatric cardiac care available in the region. After chronic illnesses, Carl’s parents took him to Cebu where a cardiologist diagnosed him with a heart condition. The cardiologist told them that they would need to travel to Manila for treatment and that his condition was complex and would require not only surgery but also a diagnostic catheterization. He further explained that the diagnostic catheterization procedure would not correct his heart defect but rather would allow for the surgeons to have more information on how to operate to heal his heart. Carl’s parents are overwhelmed with gratitude for your support in helping them to afford all that lies ahead to heal their son’s heart.

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Completed Project: Hannah

Hannah was diagnosed with a heart condition shortly after being born 16 years ago. She has spent much of her life in the hospital and going back and forth to check-ups and doctor appointments. Her parents knew that they could never afford the cost of heart surgery for their daughter so they opted to have her take medication in hopes that it would prolong her life. These medications are expensive and Hannah’s parents struggle to pay for them on top of the cost of transportation to the many appointments. Thanks to your sponsorship of a Diagnostic Catheterization, doctors now know that Hannah has a hole in her heart and they now having imaging that will guide them in closing that hole during open heart surgery. After 16 years of struggling to survive, Hannah’s heart will finally be healed and she will have hope for a healthy future.

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Completed Project: Sam

Sweet little Sam lives with his two sisters, one brother and his parents on an island in the Cebu region of The Philippines. He was diagnosed with a heart condition known as Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) at 6 months of age. His father is unemployed and his mother works as a day labourer. Together they struggle to provide the basic needs for their family. The thought of paying for a catheterization procedure to have their son’s heart healed is unimaginable. They are so very grateful for your efforts to help heal Sam’s little heart so that he can grow and play with his siblings like other children his age. Sam and one of his parents will travel to Manila for his cath procedure. This will be the first time they have ever left the island they live on. Thank you for helping to heal Sam’s little heart.

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Completed Project: Febie

Febie lives with her family on a small island in the Southern Region of The Philippines near Cebu. There is very little access to medical care on the island. Febie was born with a heart defect known as Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). She did not experience too many symptoms until recently. She has been ill frequently throughout her life but only recently was she diagnosed with the heart condition. Febie and her family have never left their little island. They will need to travel to Manila to have her heart healed. While they are nervous, they are looking forward to this adventure which will give Febie a second chance at life. They are grateful for your sponsorship to heal her heart.

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Completed Project: Shazia

Adorable Shazia lives with her mother and father in a small metal structure on an island in the southern region of The Philippines. Her father is unemployed and her mother works as a school teacher at an elementary school earning about $100USD per month. Despite being college graduates, Shazia’s parents struggle to find work that is sufficient to support the basic needs of their small family. When they learned that their only child was born with a heart defect, they were devastated. Knowing that they did not have the means to pay for tests and procedures to diagnose and heal her heart, they began to search for help. Your sponsorship will provide Shazia with a diagnostic catheterization procedure which will allow for doctors to determine next steps in Shazia’s journey to heal her heart.

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Completed Project: Ciaz

As soon as Ciaz’s mother gave birth to her, she noticed that her baby had difficulty breathing. She took her to a local clinic where several tests where performed and it was determined that Ciaz was born with an enlarged heart and a heart defect known as Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). Ciaz takes medicine daily for her heart ailment. Ciaz lives with her older sister, her mother and her mother’s boyfriend. They live in the southern region of The Philippines and struggle to support the basic needs of their family. Having a baby with a heart condition has added a tremendous burden financially and emotionally to this family. Your sponsorship will provide Ciaz with a diagnostic catheterization procedure which will allow for doctors to determine next steps in Ciaz’s journey to heal her heart.

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