Alejandra
In early 2020, two-year-old Alejandra was diagnosed with
persistent ductus arteriosus (PDA.) This is a condition in which a hole in one fetal blood vessel fails to close after birth,
disrupting the circulation of blood to the lungs to receive oxygen. PDA is treated by closing the blood vessel opening with a
device. Recognizing the urgency of Alejandra’s medical and economic situation, Bolivian heart surgeon, Dr. Gabriel Echazú, referred
Alejandra’s parents to the Puente de Solidaridad Foundation for help.
Alejandra’s family lives in a one-bedroom brick and cement home on the western edge of Cochabamba. Her parents work as traveling mirror vendors. They alternate turns selling their wares on the street, so that one parent can take care of Alejandra. Their financial situation is dire and has only worsened during the global Covid-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, Alejandra’s parents have focused all of their efforts on finding support for their daughter's surgery.
Alejandra’s mother shared:
“Since the birth of my daughter we have had to face many obstacles. Currently, my husband and I sell mirrors from a wheelbarrow.
We hardly have enough for food, but we will do everything necessary for the well-being of our daughter. We want to see her totally healthy.”
With support from family, friends, Bolivian medical professionals, and generous donors, Alejandra was able to access heart surgery on November 5th. Dr. Echazú performed the successful procedure to close the hole in Alejandra’s heart and the little one was released from the hospital the following day.