Fernando

Throughout his life, Fernando has been more susceptible to illness due to a congenital heart condition. At the age of three, Fernando became deathly ill from rheumatic fever. At the time, Fernando and his brothers were living with an aunt, while their mother was abroad working to raise money. Fernando's mother, Julia, went to Spain looking for work with the hope of building a better life for her small family. Julia returned to be with her son when he became very sick. Eventually, Julia was able to buy a home, which she now rents out to family members. With this small income and domestic work, Julia covers the expenses for her three boys.

In July, Fernando became severely ill from salmonella poisoning. Fernando's situation worsened quickly. Julia was referred to a public hospital in the nearest city of Santa Cruz. At the Incor Hospital, Dr. Freddy Romero determined the need for emergency heart surgery.

Fernando was suffering from severe aortic and mitral insufficiencies, causing the blood in his heart to flow in the wrong direction. Bolivian cardiac surgeons, Dr. Barrientos and Dr. Jaldín recommended heart valve replacement surgery.

Recognizing her financial constraints, Julia was referred to the Puente de Solidaridad Pediatric Heart Surgery program for support. While speaking with program staff, Julia shared, "I thank God and everyone who is helping to make this possible. The surgery will be done and I will be eternally grateful. God bless you always."

Fernando was admitted for surgery on August 7th and released from the hospital four days later. His mother and brothers have every hope that this surgery will have a profound impact on Fernando's quality of life going forward. Thank you to Dharma Social Projects, the Incor Hospital, and all the Bolivian medical professionals who gifted Fernando with a newly healthy heart.

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