Camila
At just four months old, Camila suffered from atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, and patent ductus arteriosus. These are the medical names for congenital heart conditions characterized by holes in the heart that fail to seal at birth. Due to these openings, Camila’s lungs were receiving too much oxygen. She struggled to breathe which made feeding difficult. The strain on her heart and lungs, accompanied by high blood pressure would lead to permanent damage if not treated.
Camila was admitted to the Japanese Hospital in Santa Cruz for pediatric oxygen therapy. Her mother, Bertha, is Camila’s sole caretaker. For two months, she stayed by her daughter’s side while doctors monitored Camila’s condition. Together they waited for baby Camila to become strong enough for surgery.
Bertha shared: "My little daughter has been in the Japanese Hospital for almost two months. She is so delicate. I am doing everything I can to make the surgery possible. I am very grateful for your help so that my daughter can have the operation. I hope you will continue to help more families like us who need it."
Bertha’s husband left the family when she was pregnant with Camila. Since then her oldest daughter moved in with her grandmother in Potosí, and her son is cared for by a neighbor while she stays with Camila in the hospital. Bertha supports her children by renting out two rooms in their home and selling shoes on market days. With the support from Puente de Solidaridad, Fundacor and Dharma Social Projects, Bertha was finally able to find the support needed for Camila to access surgery.
On July 29th, Bolivian surgeons Dr. Barrientos and Dr. Jaldin performed the surgery to close the hole in the lower chambers of Camila’s heart with the use of extracorporeal life support. Bertha is grateful that her beautiful, baby girl has the chance for renewed health. Bertha and the Bolivian cardiologists will continue to take good care of Camila as she settles into her new life at home.