Daniel
Tatiana wrapped her young son Daniel in her aguayo, the traditional wrap used in many parts of the Andes to carry children. She held him close to her chest for the walk to the bus station and the 8-hour trip through the mountains from La Paz to Cochabamba. Filled with hope, she walked into the office of Puente de Solidaridad still carrying Daniel.
Daniel had been diagnosed with a congenital heart condition. He had trouble breathing, heart palpitations, and his legs were often swollen. Tatiana was understandably concerned. She had sought help in Kardiozentrum, an institution that helps treat children with congenital heart conditions in La Paz. Yet, Daniel needed a specialized surgery that Kardiozentrum could not perform and he was referred to Puente de Solidaridad.
Tatiana shares a rented bedroom with Daniel and her other son, 3-year-old Francisco, in a shared house in La Paz. As many Bolivians, she works in the informal sector selling goods in the streets. What she earns in a day is used to buy food for that day. If she does not work one day, the family of three does not eat that day.
Tatiana was afraid and felt alone facing the imminent surgery that Daniel needed. With the support of neighbors and friends, she had found the resources to make the trip to Cochabamba. With the support of Puente de Solidaridad she would have the resources for Daniel’s surgery.
Puente de Solidaridad’s allied heart pediatricians examined Daniel and scheduled his surgery. The operation took place at the end of August, and it was a success. Daniel is back in La Paz with his mother and brother, recuperating well.