Bartolo

Bartolo was born premature in December 2020. Doctors at the Japanese Hospital in Santa Cruz, Bolivia recognized signs of fetal distress and sent him to the premature infant care unit (PICU) to receive oxygen. Bartolo is the youngest of five children in the Cortez family. His parents visited him anxiously in the PICU over the course of the six days that he was hospitalized due to his delicate state. Doctors told Bartolo’s parents that he had a severe heart problem that would require emergency surgery.

Bartolo was diagnosed with total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage, a complex birth defect of the heart in which the veins brining blood back from the lungs go to the heart by way of an abnormal connection. The surgical procedure to correct Bartolo’s heart condition was out of the realm of possibility for the Cortez family. The family of seven and two maternal grandparents are supported by Bartolo’s father who has varied income as a mechanic. Bartolo’s parents were referred to Puente de Solidaridad in Santa Cruz. Puente social workers helped to make the arrangements for four-month-old Bartolo to be admitted for surgery at the Incor Clinic with partner surgeons.

Dr. Barrientos and Dr. Jaldín performed a successful Blalock Taussig procedure to correct the anomalous blood flow in Bartolo’s heart. The infant remained in the hospital for six days and was released to his family. It has been a stressful year for the Cortez family with concern’s over Bartolo’s health, COVID restrictions, and financial constraints. The solidarity and care of the partner surgeons, social workers, and international donors, saved this one, little life. Bartolo’s mother shared, “We will do whatever it takes to see our child healthy. We are so grateful for all that you have done to help us. Your help is so important for people with limited resources. God bless you.”

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