Esther
Esther was just three days old when doctors performed the first of a series of surgeries to correct several defects in her newborn heart, including atrial and ventricular septal defect, pulmonary atresia, and Ebstein anomaly. Drs. Barrientos and JaldÃn at the Incor Hospital in Santa Cruz, Bolivia performed a Blalock-Taussig shunt as a temporary remedy. This involves the insertion of a tube between the pulmonary artery and a branch of the aorta. This allows enough blood to the lungs. Esther will require further surgeries in the future to provide a more permanent resolution to her heart problem.
Esther's parents, Rodrigo and Maria, are only sixteen years old. They are doing the best they can to care for the newborn while they are still in high school. Rodrigo and Maria's parents sought help from Puente de Solidaridad for their granddaughter. Esther made it through surgery but has a long road to recovery. Her parents and grandparents are grateful for the support and accompaniment they have received from the Puente de Solidaridad team, the medical professionals, and financial support from the Goff Gift Fund.