Gabriela
Gabriela's young life has been marred by unimaginable hardship. Her mother Elba, just 26 years old, is undergoing treatment for breast cancer; she recently completed six rounds of chemotherapy. Gabriela barely knew her father, who died of miliary tuberculosis complicated by alcoholism and general ill health. Mother and daughter live with Elba's parents who help care for both of them. Elba's father and brother sell tennis shoes in an informal market in the Bolivian capital of La Paz. Together they earn around $150 dollars a month, barely enough to feed the family.
Gabriela is an excellent student and appeared perfectly healthy until coming down with pneumonia in November 2023. When she failed to recover, doctors ordered multiple tests, which led to the discovery of an atrial septal defect placing severe strain on Gabriela's lungs. The defect could be patched, but the specialized surgery is not covered by Bolivia's universal health coverage. The family was referred to the La Paz-based Herzverein Foundation, which in turn asked Puente de Solidaridad to collaborate to connect Gabriela to treatment in Cochabamba. Elba's brother stepped in to accompany Elba and Gabriela to Cochabamba and manage the logistics for their long stay away from home. The extended family contributed funds to cover travel and other expenses.
Gabriela underwent surgery on January 30, 2024, at the private Los Angeles Clinic in Cochabamba. Her surgery was performed by two of Bolivia's best heart surgeons, Dr. Carlos Brockmann and Dr. Paola RodrÃguez. Gabriela responded well and was able to return home just four days later. When the new school year began in February, Gabriela returned to classes with renewed strength. The family prays it is the start of better times for all of them.