Carmen
Carmen lives with her mother and maternal grandparents in an adobe house on the outskirts of the city of Cochabamba. They have electricity but no running water or sewage. They get water from a nearby stream. Carmen’s mother earns roughly $7 per day selling flowers in the market. Carmen’s grandmother plants and grows the flowers near their home.
Over the years, Carmen’s mother noticed problems with her daughter’s health. She was small compared to others in her kindergarten class. She tired very easily, her skin was pale and tinged with blue. Carmen’s mother took her to the doctor who then referred them to a cardiologist. The cardiologist at the Belga Hospital diagnosed the seven-year-old with Tetralogy of Fallot. This is a heart condition that develops during pregnancy and involves four separate heart defects. Carmen would need a complex surgery to repair her structural heart issues.
Carmen’s mother shared, “I am seriously worried about my daughter's situation. I can't afford to pay for the surgery. I have gone everywhere to ask for help. In the end my parents decided to take out a loan, but it was barely enough for part of it. Our doctor referred us to Puente de Solidariad for help because my daughter’s condition could get worse.”
Carmen was admitted for surgery at the end of January. Dr. Carlos Brockmann performed the surgery to correct her critical heart condition. She remained in the hospital for a week before returned to her family’s care. Carmen is looking forward to returning to school soon with a healthy heart.