Alondra
Diego and Luisa are the parents of two little girls, ages seven and almost two. They had built a simple but comfortable working-class family life in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, where Diego works in a parts distribution company. But their lives took an unexpected turn two years ago while they were awaiting the arrival of their second child.
Diego tells the story as follows: “When my wife was six months pregnant, they told us that our little girl would have health problems. When she was born, she had intestinal complications that required surgery. Later they told us she had heart problems. As parents, it was difficult for us to assimilate; now that we have her with us, we know that she is what was missing in our lives and our family.”
From the moment Diego found out his daughter would be born with health challenges, he started clocking overtime hours and saving what he could. But his monthly income is still little more than enough to cover rent and food and other basic expenses. When it became clear that Alondra needed heart surgery, the family was referred to the Santa Cruz office of Puente de Solidaridad, where they were approved for support.
On April 26, 2021, Alondra underwent surgery to repair significant atrioventricular septal defects, consisting of holes between the left and right heart chambers. She was released from the hospital on May 1, and is now home with her loving family.
Diego expressed his gratitude to the social worker at Puente de Solidaridad: “We know everything will be OK and we trust in the Lord. Many thanks for all your support, and may God bless your work.”