Dennis
Denis, age 17, is the youngest child of Hugo and Liliana of Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Denis began suffering episodes of heart arrhythmia when he was 14. Since then, he has had to refrain from strenuous physical activity like soccer games with his friends and extensive walking. Doctors told the family that Denis needed surgery, but they could not afford it on Hugo’s unpredictable income as a barber which leaves little left over after covering the family’s basic needs. Hugo is 64, approaching retirement age, but was determined to come up with funds to cover his son’s treatment so he can continue school and lead a normal life. The family turned to the Santa Cruz office of Puente de Solidaridad to seek support. Denis underwent cardiac ablation on December 22, 2022, and was back home in time to celebrate the greatest Christmas present the family has ever received – a healing heart for Denis and renewed hope for the entire family.