Benito
Three-month-old Benito began to present low oxygen levels and episodes of agitation when breastfeeding. After increased concern from Benito’s parents, the family visited a physician, and the infant was diagnosed with a ventricular septal defect, a rare defect of the lower chambers of the heart. His condition required imminent heart surgery, but Benito’s parents were worried about the costs associated with the procedure.
Benito’s mother shared, “When we learned that it required surgery, we did not think it would be something so expensive. Unfortunately, we are out of work. If it were not for my parents, we would not even have a place to live.” The young parents are both 21 years-old and have faced financial difficulties, as they currently reside with Benito’s maternal grandparents. Benito’s father works as a bricklayer, but the pay is small and insufficient for the basic food and housing needs of the family of three, and the parents do not have savings to cover the medical expenses of Benito.
With the help and support of the Goff Gift Fund, Dr. Carlos Brockmann, and the infant’s extended family, Benito was able to receive the procedure he needed on March 15, 2021 at Prosalud Clinic in Cochabamba. The surgery was successful and recovery went smoothly, as baby Benito was discharged only four days later. He is currently in stable condition, under the care of his loving and hardworking parents.